Blown head gasket replacement, which gasket set to use

Tiny
BETHANY MASTERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MAZDA 626
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My car has a blown head gasket. I have someone to replace it for me, and he has suggested buying a full gasket set and replacing all while the car is torn down. What kind of kit should I buy? I've priced upper, lower, full set, head bolt etc. It's not really a matter of price, but I just want my $400.00 car back on the road. On the other hand if replacing every gasket and bolt in the motor will give me a dependable ride to work for a few years, I'm all for it. Just want to do what's necessary without overdoing it and taking forever. Advice?
Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 1:12 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
Hello and welcome to 2CarPros. This is one of those tough questions. If I were doing the work and there are no other oil or coolant leaks or issues, I would replace just the head gasket and related service parts. Like the timing belt, tensioner, oil pump and the water pump because they are already out in the open and are behind the belt.
The reason being that it does take more time and money to remove the engine, clean it and then replace the other seals if they are not causing an issue. Plus you noted it was a $400.00 car, doing everything on the engine can easily cost three times that in parts and labor and these days it's unfortunately real easy to get parts that are worse than the ones already installed.

On the flip side, if there are other leaks or a reason to remove the engine, like a transmission front seal leak or evidence of a rear main seal leak or maybe an oil pan leak, then I would pull the engine and replace it with a re-manufactured engine. That would get you a new engine with a warranty and in all probability would be cheaper than going through your engine to rebuild it. Or a lower mileage used engine is another option in that case.
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 4:22 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

When you go to a parts store, tell them you need a complete gasket kit for your engine.

You will need the new head bolts as well.

As far as additional work, have him check the main and rod bearings for damage from the coolant in the oil. Coolant will destroy the babbit in the bearings. That will make your car keep running for years.

Roy
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 4:23 AM

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