I feel like taking a holiday at work and taking my engine apart

Anyone done the headgasket before? I was wondering the costs and parts required. I know that i'll need new timing belt, possible water pump, sealing compond for the head, oil and head bolts if they stretch.

The reason why is that its sounding tappety recently - probably needs an oil change, the coolent is getting low (i've topped it up) and there is some water spitting out the exhaust...

It doesnt blow blue/white smoke, overheat or have that creamy stuff on the oil cap. [b]It does however have pitch black water in the coolent resovoir[/b]!!

Your opinions/input/feedback please

Water coming out of the exhaust isn't always a bad sign - it's usually just condensation - but black water in the coolant has got to be a bad sign though.

Doing the headgasket is never a bad idea as long you can do it (but you're not gonna find that out until you've done it! ). It'll go better afterwards and gives you the oportunity to give it a good scrub inside. While you've got it apart, why not get the head, inlet and outlet manifolds gas flowed?

I did the headgasket on my OHV Fiat Panda - but I don't think that's going to be a big help to you! It did go alot better afterwards - until some old biddy wrote it off two weeks later

Good luck with it - maybe you could take a load of notes/pics as you go?


[b]Mark[/b]

I've done a headgasket before, and pretty handy with engines. Its just the bits that may need replacing that worries me - like some say the water pump, tensioners and that need replacing which I wont know about without a manual!

Will give it a go, its not running badly at the moment so will last until I have the cash to do it!

Asked my mechanic about changing the valve seals last night - head off

Like you, it'll have to last until I have the money


Mark

Just had a good look at it. Looks like a challenge The timing belt could prove the hardest part cos of the engine mount, the inlet and outlet manifolds will need to be removed, the pas and alternator are in the way...

Anyone got a clue how to do this? I bet it will cost a fortune at a garage and i can do it myself lol

I have same drama.

It can end up being a minefield. The quotes I got were incredible from £200 to over a £1000

I was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy cheaper with a replacement engine and thats what everyone at various Mazda dealers and specialists recommended.

GOOD LUCK