Oil leak from head gasket 2g Eclipse (420a)

[ChrisBone]

I have a 1997 Eclipse RS (no mods) with 124k miles and I have a pretty bad oil leak coming from the head gasket. The mechanic said I'm looking at about a $1,200-$1,400 cost to have the head gasket replaced and if needed the head being resurfaced. But I am not sure if the head needs to be resurfaced. Is it worth fixing? or will this just end up happening again around another 100k? Also, what are the chances of the head actually needing to be resurfaced?

 

[Silver99OZ]

Plan on having the head resurfaced. The new version of the head gasket for the 420A engine is a mls (multi layer steel). In order for the mls gasket to seal properly the head must be perfectly smooth. To get the head surface perfectly smooth it will need to be resurfaced using a mill. Be sure that whoever is resurfacing the head uses an mill and not a belt sander.

 

[blindboarder_02]

Hopefully that quote reflects the cost of labor and parts.

Since you'll have the head off, do the water pump, timing belt, tensioners, etc.
The cost should be the whole kit and labor.

 

[Smash_NDash]

Hopefully that quote reflects the cost of labor and parts.

Since you'll have the head off, do the water pump, timing belt, tensioners, etc.
The cost should be the whole kit and labor.

^^X2

If that price is just for labor shop around. I had a head gasket job with resurfacing quoted to me for $475.



If it gets fixed properly the first time and you keep up with maintanence then it shouldnt be a reoccuring issue.

 

[ChrisBone]

Plan on having the head resurfaced. The new version of the head gasket for the 420A engine is a mls (multi layer steel). In order for the mls gasket to seal properly the head must be perfectly smooth. To get the head surface perfectly smooth it will need to be resurfaced using a mill. Be sure that whoever is resurfacing the head uses an mill and not a belt sander.

Thanks for the advice man I really appreciate it. Would you recommend just getting a new motor instead? Well actually used.. I got quoted $700 for a used motor around 40k miles; the price includes labor. The only thing I'm worried about is the head gasket going bad on that one since the 420a motor is know for head gasket leaks.

^^X2

If that price is just for labor shop around. I had a head gasket job with resurfacing quoted to me for $475.



If it gets fixed properly the first time and you keep up with maintanence then it shouldnt be a reoccuring issue.

That's it? Just 475? Is that including labor, parts, and resurfacing? I got quoted $1200-$1400 for everything. My jaw hit the floor because I don't have that kind of money. I'm a full time college student and only work part time.

 

[Smash_NDash]

It was labor an resurfacing.... and a head gasket is like 70 bucks or something like that.

Ill give you this piece of advice, when you go to a mechanic make sure you shop around before you drop your car off. They know they got you as soon as your non running car sits in their bay. But yea 1200 is a lot for a head gasket job. But I also live down south in NC so that might play a part in the cost as well.

 

[blindboarder_02]

Smash_Ndash, whats the hourly rate for shops around you? Just wondering. .

The reason my bill was so high is because I had 2 front wheel bearings replaced also. I completely forgot about those. So my bill being $1500-ish sounds more accurate.

OP, listen to Smash - he is on the right path with shopping around. You dont have to feel obligated to go to a specific shop.

 

[TunerPunk]

Also and some inside information i have on 2g 420a's. The common head problems they have are from a factory defect that was never recorded properly. The head tap on the block between the front 2-3 and back 3-4 where not tapped to the full length. acutally about 1/8th to short. you will get the torque specs when tightening but the bolts will be not seated. tapper 1/8th of those two and you will remove the common head problem from most your 2g 420a's.

 

[0Boost]

one more thing to look out for is how much some shops mark up price on parts. some shops get out of hand on it and some hardly do it. also if you try to bargain with them they sometimes will lower the prices some if you bug them enough, . or another cheaper route is if you go buy all the stuff needed and find a shop that will use your parts you buy. some shops are picky and wont do it for the simple fact they lose the profit from parts mark up. like others have said, just call around for different estimates. im in the process of doing the same for mine although I went a little further due to the mileage on my engine. I can give you a estimate of what I paid for parts including machine work on the head if you like. only difference is I work for a shop so I don't pay labor, just work on it in my spare time and lunch break.

 

[Cherryblaster98420a]

I have a 98 eclipse 420a, it leaked oil from the valve cover. I replaced that but it still leaks. There just some cheap ass Chrysler motors, would rather have the 4g63

 

[jayson427]

I have a 1997 Eclipse RS (no mods) with 124k miles and I have a pretty bad oil leak coming from the head gasket. The mechanic said I'm looking at about a $1,200-$1,400 cost to have the head gasket replaced and if needed the head being resurfaced. But I am not sure if the head needs to be resurfaced. Is it worth fixing? or will this just end up happening again around another 100k? Also, what are the chances of the head actually needing to be resurfaced?

if you plan on keeping the car and want a reliable daliy driver that your not going to mod then i would do it. the 420a is a good motor especially stock if its rebuilt the right way and well taken care of with maintenance. 1200-1400 is way to much to just do a head gasket. my machanic offered me $1600 for a used low miles engine swap with everything. it shouldnt cost more then $600 and it is good to resurface the head. then it wont have issues down the road if you use the right gasket. fel pro mls or you can use a oem head gasket. also you can get a gates timing belt kit too

I have a 98 eclipse 420a, it leaked oil from the valve cover. I replaced that but it still leaks. There just some cheap ass Chrysler motors, would rather have the 4g63

thats probably because you dont know how to do it properly. there is a certain sequence and torque pattern you have to follow. i have had no problems with oil leaks when i rebuilt my motor at a good machine shop.

 

[bullettdsm]

I have a 98 eclipse 420a, it leaked oil from the valve cover. I replaced that but it still leaks. There just some cheap ass Chrysler motors, would rather have the 4g63

Thanks for sharing those pearls of wisdom! They really added to the thread and I'm sure the OP is getting ready to give you mad props for helping with his problem.

Also and some inside information i have on 2g 420a's. The common head problems they have are from a factory defect that was never recorded properly.

Inside info, eh? Heh heh, where did you get that from, this site or on 2gnt.com?

Yeah, I'm feeling particularly Defiant today

 

[jayson427]

Inside info, eh? Heh heh, where did you get that from, this site or on 2gnt.com?

Yeah, I'm feeling particularly Defiant today

this made my morning right here

 

[99PearlSilver420A]

I have the same problem, but it started to leak a lot when switched over to full synthetic. What kind of oil are you using?

 

[LD25Delta9]

Also and some inside information i have on 2g 420a's. The common head problems they have are from a factory defect that was never recorded properly. The head tap on the block between the front 2-3 and back 3-4 where not tapped to the full length. acutally about 1/8th to short. you will get the torque specs when tightening but the bolts will be not seated. tapper 1/8th of those two and you will remove the common head problem from most your 2g 420a's.

This causes coolant leak issues...
Yer not the only one Mark....

 

[fiveeauxfo13]

Also and some inside information i have on 2g 420a's. The common head problems they have are from a factory defect that was never recorded properly. The head tap on the block between the front 2-3 and back 3-4 where not tapped to the full length. acutally about 1/8th to short. you will get the torque specs when tightening but the bolts will be not seated. tapper 1/8th of those two and you will remove the common head problem from most your 2g 420a's.

Exactly what bolts are the issue that you are talking about? All of these years, it has only been the one left rear headbolt, behind cylinder #4. I have seen this issue a few times, on a few different dsm's. But this is the first time i have ever seen or heard about another heabolt issue. Please be specific about which one? Which location? What problems its causing? Thanks for the help!!!

This causes coolant leak issues...
Yer not the only one Mark....

Whats exactly causing coolant leak issues? What happens when you do what?