Headgasket replacement
 

Alright, on the way out for my lunch break, my headgasket decided to Herniate on the back side of the head/block.

I currently have a 1.8 that im cleaning up, and working on to replace this 1.6, but i have a long way to go.

I USUALLY use OEM miata parts, but i no longer work for the Ford/Mazda dealer that i used to work for, therefore, no more employee prices.

I just need to do a Gasket change to hold me over until im ready to do the 1.8 swap.

SO

Is a Fel-Pro gasket any good? (never used one)

Any other brands i should be looking at?

Also, whats the deal with the 1.8 gasket? I remember on a post a while back, someone was saying that a 1.8 gasket has more coolant passages? or something like that... been looking for that thread since i got the car in the driveway, and i cant find it.... also a bit flustered, so maybe im over looking it

had to stop at 3 different gas stations to fill the radiator with water, to be able to get it the 16 miles home... interesting drive. My windshield is all greasy now.

oh well, thanks in advance!

let me know what you know about it, or what you would suggest.

Junkyard 1.8 while you build the other 1.8 in your garage.

Or try another OEM head gasket.

Your head gasket blew so bad its flowing coolant ouside the motor and onto the windshield...

I'm just stabbing in the dark, but I dont think a new gasket is gonna solve that. Most likely needs machine work too.

yeah, im going with OEM... but the FEL-PRO is the cheapest i can find.
i would just slap another 1.8 in there for now, but i dont have an ecu for it, im gonna be squirting the 1.8 that i DO have. if it wasnt gonna cost hundreds to just slap a 1.8 in there, i would TOTALLY do that. lol

Im gonna do an OEM, but before i do, anyone have anything bad to say about FEL-PRO gaskets????

Well, coolant is only on the windshield because it was steaming out the back of the engine and blowing onto the windshield.

But yeah, its gonna need to be machined flat, almost positive its warped, thats not an issue though, because i have another perfectly true head ready to go

Well, i didn't realize this :). Use whatever gasket is in your budget. If you are sure the new head is flat you could go with MLS, but if there are any doubts about the new HG sealing i'd just go composite for the time being.

Aren't you on MS? What do you mean you don't have an ECU for the 1.8?

Nope, thats the goal... i have a 1.6 with aids... so, aids on aids is extra craptastic. lmao

Im getting an ms for the 1.8 that im working on now for sure though, no ifs ands or buts about it. Ive been researching my ass off prepping to go MS, and i almost got it. lol

Im excited for it, but that wont be for a few more months, so ill just spend the $50 and a few hours to quick fix my aids on aids to last me til november. lol

This kit on ebay will work for a cheap quick rebuild on the 1.6. I have used ebay head gaskets on both 1.6 and 1.8 engines fine.

Thanks! ill check it out. I just need to get it running for a few more months... wouldnt be a big deal, but my Mini shit the bed recently. The PTO gears all sheared.... MEANING.... the whole SC/Waterpump assembly must be replaced...
so, the Miata has to run a little while longer.

THATS the main reason the 1.8 has to wait til november. The Mini is taking a big chunk of change to fix. BMW wants $3500... but i can do it myself for $750, and that includes a warranty, and FORGED PTO gears, rather than the Cast ones it comes with from the factory.
ill fix the Mini, THEN the Miata can start its transformation.

Im gonna go cheap, and just throw it back together over the next couple days.

I've heard both ways with Fel-pro. I used one on my Celica's head which has been doing just fine for ~10k miles. I've also heard they're exceptionally hard to get off if there is a failure. I guess they glue themselves pretty well to the head and block and are very hard to scrape off. If it's only temporary, I would go for it.

spray it with permatex COPPER head gskt stuff and that well help alot! We use it all the time on turbo'd cars, especially if your not able to deck the block.

haha.... funny you should mention that.

I did the Gasket replacement yesterday, took about 5 hours (broken stuff, busted knuckles and lunch break included) But i used this permatex stuff. lol Guy at NAPA where i picked the gasket up suggested it. All is well so far, just hope it lasts til November (shouldnt be a problem)

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1377094897

Around 100 bucks. You can still reuse them, have done it plenty of times without any problems.

For a fewmore bucks would have had a good one.