Headgasket checklist, what do you suggest?

[RickIntihar]

So, my '90 GSX just racked up 172k miles, and I think its on its original head gasket. I have a phantom coolant leak that I think could only be the headgasket.

Go knows what service has been done, so I figured I would do a large service on the car while the head is off.

I'm getting:

-Cometic MSL HG
-ARP Head Studs
-OEM Mitsu timing belt, idler, tensioner pulley and tensioner
-OEM Mitsu BS belt and
-Top Line Water pump and gaskets
-Valve Stem Seals

I already have stainless exhaust manifold studs and a Mr Gasket copper exhaust manifold gasket.


Would you guys recommend anything else while i'm in there?

The car is just a DD, the only reason i'm getting the ARP's is I might feel like throwing on a 16g at a later date.

 

[xioca]

do a compression test, both wet and dry and see how bad your rings are.

Also get a full gasket set and have at it.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Wouldnt be a bad idea to get new plugs and wires. Also, I assume you know what other gaskets you need?

Intake manifold
Throttle body inner and outter
Exhaust manifold to turbo
Thermostat housing
New thermostat

 

[xioca]

oh and start spraying those exhaust mani bolts with pb blaster as soon as you can.

 

[RickIntihar]

Wouldnt be a bad idea to get new plugs and wires. Also, I assume you know what other gaskets you need?

Intake manifold
Throttle body inner and outter
Exhaust manifold to turbo
Thermostat housing
New thermostat

I just did a thermostat and gasket for the water neck last week, , so if I can get away with just taking the thermostat housing off the head, I would rather do that.

Turbo is staying on the mani for the time being, so no need for that, and i'm trying to get away with keeping the intake on the head so I don't have to spend 13 bucks on that gasket too.

 

[RickIntihar]

do a compression test, both wet and dry and see how bad your rings are.

Also get a full gasket set and have at it.

I already have the full set of cam seals, valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets, so getting a full gasket kit would be kinda a waste right now.


Thanks for the replies so far guys!

 

[RoasT BeeF]

I saw you had valve seals listed. If you plan on taking the head into a machine shop to get the seals replaced they will want everything off - including the intake manifold. The OEM gasket is only $11 or so. Worth replacing as long as you're doing the work. Dont skimp!

When I say thermostat housing gasket I am referring to this:

EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts - OEM Thermostat Housing Gasket : Mitsubishi Eclipse 6 Bolt

 

[95GSXBLUR]

Don't forget to have both surfaces decked. If you don't your nice brand new HG will have about a 50/50 shot @ sealing.