Headgasket TIPS?

D

DanYo

Member
I am more than likely sure that the headgasket on my gf's MP3 took a dump. Oil is milky..and overheats. Im not too familiar with Mazdas too much, but am pretty well mechanically inclined (Natural DSMer lol). I was wondering if you guys have any tips or special tricks for me when I tackle the job. Or is pretty much straight forward? What will NEED to be replaced? Replace the head bolts with new ones? Will an "Auto Part Store" headgasket do the trick...or does it HAVE to be dealer only? Where will I get the best deals? Being a diehard DSMer...we tend to stick to OEM on the major components. Any input will be appreciated...thanks!!

Daniel D.
 
I used a FEL-PRO kit that included the HG and all the other gaskets you will need and I highly recommend it. Other than new Mazda head bolts or ARP Head studs you should be good to go, I used aftermarket head bolts and didn't have any problems. Should probably do a new timing belt and water pump if it hasn't been done before.
 
Speed circuit, crossover auto, maybe street unit or corksport, there are several if you search. They are about $120, I believe the OEM bolts are around $200 for a set, I just replaced my HG a couple months back.

Where are you in Tx?
 
Im in San Antonio. Im thinking the previous owner didnt put new head bolts when installing the headgasket. He had told me it had "head work" done to it. IF I can get the parts local ill be tackling it next week. Is Oreilly timing belt fine? Or do I stick with OEM Mazda?
 
make sure the intake and exhaust cams are put back in the right spot. Check to see if the head is level. I got mine machined and pressure tested for 90 bucks before I torqued it all down. It's not needed but you can use some copper spray a gasket on the head gasket for a better seal. Good luck, if you run into any problems let us know!
 
Yea it will be going to the machine shop to get pressure tested and resurfaced. I use the gasket spray on most gaskets, so itll be going on the headgasket also. I hope it wont be too difficult. As far as timing goes...is it pretty basic as far as timing marks and getting it all aligned? I have Chiltons Online but they dont show NOTHING on timing. I may just have to pick up a Haynes manual. Ill keep you guys updated! Thanks the help is greatly appreciated :)
 
Alright I have a buddy who works in the parts department at Mazda and can get me good deals on parts. I'm priced $47 for the head gasket and $89 for the headbolts. Now my question is would it be better to get the felpro head gasket kit since it comes with all other gaskets? She will be needing a new vc gasket also. But ill most likely be getting the headbolts since I dont plan on ever pushing the car for ARPs needs
 
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i would highly suggest a cometic head gasket and arp studs but that is up to you and what your willing to spend and how long you are willing to wait for the parts to come in. i originally put a oem headgasket on and i have to say its garbage quality compared to the cometic i put in this summer. not that the oem gasket failed me or anything (used a cheap timing belt and it broke on me so i took motor back apart to double check everything) i just feel that getting a cometic and arp studs are worth the money and piece of mind. but an oem headgasket and bolts for those prices arent bad.
 
dacquesta1 said:
i would highly suggest a cometic head gasket and arp studs but that is up to you and what your willing to spend and how long you are willing to wait for the parts to come in. i originally put a oem headgasket on and i have to say its garbage quality compared to the cometic i put in this summer. not that the oem gasket failed me or anything (used a cheap timing belt and it broke on me so i took motor back apart to double check everything) i just feel that getting a cometic and arp studs are worth the money and piece of mind. but an oem headgasket and bolts for those prices arent bad.
Click to expand...

Yea the reason I might just stick with the normal stuff is because its the gfs car. Not going to be modded..etc. Just a normal every day commuter. Id wait if it were any other situation. But this is her only car...which she lent to her dad while I fix his truck. His truck is on hold still due to transmission issues. So now hes without a vehicle since he was using the Protege. So all in all I just want to fix the car so atleast he can have a means of REAL transportation til his transmission gets fixed. A 4 month old+Myself+My Girlfriend=Not too fun in a 2g DSM lol
 
id get felpro since it comes with all gasket needed. its what i used 3rd time around doing mine.
 
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