MX-3.com

Something I should have done before I bought the car I suppose..

So, I bought the car, and noticed a leak. I took it to a shop to have it looked at.

What they said:

The Transmission (ATX) needs to be resealed.
Oil Pan, or Oil Pan Gasket needs replaced.
Head Gasket, or Head needs replaced.

Estimated cost at $75.00 an hour in labor, 2,000 bucks. (I paid 1,700 for it)

So my questions are these... Obviously I can change the oil pan/gasket on my own. so thats not really an issue.
What to you all think about the others? I know i can find a shop with a lower labor rate for the head gasket if need be, but am uneasy about doing that myself, as I don't have proper tools or the knowhow.

The tranny... well, without doing a mtx conversion, how hard is that?

Also, I'm broke for the most part, if it's a issue with leaks, is this something I can get away with just adding fluids for a while?

Did they explain why you need to have your head gasket replaced? Also.. where are these leaks supposedly at? Did they show you all the leaks? My gut says dont trust these guys.. take it to another shop for a second opinion. Best of luck.

Tunes67

looks like a crock of BS.

resealing the tranny is easy anyways, gaskets are like 15 bux and can be installed urself if you have a jack lol.


and why the hell would you need the head gasket replaced? if you have severe lack of power or are blowing white or blue smoke out of the exhaust then you MIGHT need one but it isn't super likely....

sounds like this shop is trying to rip your a--hole open. There are laws about shops quoting for unnecessary work. Report their a-- to the BBB

Thanks guys, I don't ever trust a mechanic unless I know them personally... it's way to easy for them to take advantage of people with less know how.

He didn't show me the leaks, but he said the head was leaking "somewhere", and he thought for sure it was in the back of the engine.

No white/blue smoke (A little when the car first starts up from under the door areas, but it needs a new exhaust, so it seems normal i guess)

I haven't noticed the oil level dropping any, but he also said the distributer was leaking, from what I understand thats a 30 second fix.
Not lacking any power that I notice (I've only been able to drive it this last week, so I'm not 100% what is 'normal' for it)

I imagine if I get a Haynes book, it will tell me hw to change the seal?
The antifreeze is a little dark, but still alot of color to it. Not sure if It's oil, or just dirty somehow.
I plan on a drain and refill this weekend.

Something I did notice after I got it back, was a single "thunk" when first putting the car in gear and moving. It doesn't happen unless I I'm coming out of park, or going into reverse.
I sometimes hear a noise, like a light clunk, when I press on the breaks the first time, not while driving or anything, I do need a little fluid, but they are pretty firm and stop the car as expected.
The mechanic didn't mention the breaks at all though.

Oh, do I add tranny fluid in the same hole the dipstick is in, and what kind do you suggest I use?

Ok, for some reference, here is a photo of the 'pool' of fluid, I've shoved a paper towel in there so it's easier to see... note the red color on it.
So, at first I thought it might be there from a sloppy fill, but maybe its leaking there, and drips out?

I also noticed (just now looking at it actually) there is a bolt missing...
wtf?


(I can't wait to ge this bay cleaned up)

looks like you're leaking tranny fluid.

what i would do is do the engine shampooing, then you'll be able to know exactly where the leak is coming from.


distributor = o ring replacement (2 minute job, 5 if you're having trouble seating it back in )

oilpan seal = no problem,

resealing the atx = 2 seals by the outputshafts, an o ring at the speedo gear, and take off the bottom of the housing, replace the filter in there, replace the seal, and while you're at it wipe off any metal filings from the 2 magnets in there.

you can do it all at home with jackstands.

but it will get messy

Awesome thanks... I don't care how messy it is as long as my baby runs...

What is that bolt thats missing?