Head Gasket Replacement
 

Would it be a good idea to replace the head gasket on a high mileage engine that was taken apart for the timing belt service? I'm not that familiar with the history on these engines and if or if not the head gasket is a weak spot in the engine and are known to leak internaly or externaly.

woyld it be worth my while to pick up a replacement gasket or is it something that would be better left alone. Once timing belt is off would the exghaust manifold be the only other major part removal to take the head off? Is removal of the manifold a tricky job or straight forward?

For the cost of a gasket i was thinking it would be a good idea to replace especially where the belt would already be off. I'm looking to make this car as reliable as it can be.

Thanks
-Mike

RE: Head Gasket Replacement
 

You would need alot more than just the Headgasket. You would need about $400.00 of gaskets.

I would not worry about replacing it.

RE: Head Gasket Replacement
 

holy crap that's a **** load of gaskets wow... I guess i can leave that haha

but what i may do is a comprwession test i'll see if i can borrow a compression tester and check each cylinder, what would I look for as a good reading for each cyliner?

-Mike

RE: Head Gasket Replacement
 

150 to 190 PSI per cylinder. It's not that common for the head gaskets to need replacing on these cars, but I did have to do mine. Had a burnt valve in cylinder 1.