Some bad news for my MX-3

[taylor_matt]

OK, so I was just informed that my newly boughten mx-3, has a few issues. I turns out, according to my mechanic, that my car needs about $1000 worth of work to the engine. I haven't talked to him but i was told hes said that the main problem was the head gasket. Does anybody have any suggestions on what i should do? Should i replace the parts needed, engine swap, junk it, etc. thanks

[Savin]

With some basic hand tools, you could easily replace the head gasket yourself in 1 day. depending on where you get your gaskets, the gasket kits range from like $30-100.
You could swap in a bp if you wanted to, there's nothing wrong with that option, Or if you really wanted to junk it, give it to me! muwhahaha provided there's no rust.

[SmoothMX3]

Your machanic is trying to make a hell of a profit. Do an engine swap if there wrong with it other then you needing a head gasket. Don't let him push you around.

[taylor_matt]

OH really? Hmm, where do you suggest purchasing a head gasket?

[Savin]

ebay! you can get a full gasket kit for around $40.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-199 ... 0091823179" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SmoothMX3]

You shoul be able to purchase one at any local automotive parts store. (Autozone,AdvanceAutoParts,Napa,Carquest)

OR... Ebay. (the best place for anything)^

[Juans_93_MX3]

Say NO to autozone. Gaskets from them cost a right nut

Dude, how much mechanic knowledge do you have yourself? Taking out heads is nothing out of this world.
Do you have a 4cyl or V6?

4cyl would be easy to work on.

6cylinder. Well, you should take off your hood for this project

If its a V6, 3 days and 8 hours each day should do it. Its not hard at all. If its a 4cyl. Maybe a day?

[SmoothMX3]

I assumed he has a 4cyl.
meany!

[taylor_matt]

mine is a 4 cyl. I haven't had much experience with working on cars, but willing and wanting to learn. Now, is there a specific type of head gasket i should be looking for , or it doesn;t really matter? (OBTW, thanks for all the input and putting up with my stupidity)

[RS_OBD'oh_2]

it is often a good idea to have the engine resurfaced for the hg to mate correctly. That was probably worked into the price of the job. It's probably a good idea to do your timing belt etc. at the same time. <--- can be "interesting" with the 4cyls.

[Savin]

IMO, it really doesn't matter. Since you probably plan to keep it stock, a stock style gasket will do nicely.
Don't feel bad about not knowing much about cars. When I replaced the one on my mx, it was the first time I replace a head gasket (while the engine was still in the car).

The gaskets on the ebay link should work fine.

IF the engine never overheated then i don't think anythig would have warped. Timing belt, easy, just make sure you have a friend that can hold some wrenches still, lol.

[taylor_matt]

it is often a good idea to have the engine resurfaced for the hg to mate correctly.

what has to be done to resurface the engine? ( i think i need a cash course on this stuff haha)

[Savin]

Resurfacing is when the block and/or head are machined down to a smooth level surface again. It just makes sure that the surfaces mate up well. I know when my head gasket was replaced the first time, they had to take 80 thousandths? (that sounds right) out to make it flat again. The second time, I didn't bother getting resurfaced.

[SmoothMX3]

Go to a machine shop and just go ahead and get them to shave the head for alittle extra power. hehe

[Daninski]

OK for starters how many miles / klms are on the engine? If it's over 250,000klms another lower milage engine may be something you could look at but bottom line is a gasket will get you going for the time being. If the timing belt hasn't got at least 100,000 then I'd say leave it. My V6 has around 150,000klms and a friend's has 290,000, yes 290 is correct. If it has over 200,000klms and your doing the T belt might as well do the water pump to. IMO