MX-3.com

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

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.

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.

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

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;

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

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

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?

I assumed he has a 4cyl.
meany!

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)

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.

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.

RS_OBD'oh_2 wrote: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)

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.

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

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