ALPHA Q

iTrader: (17)

I think I blew a head gasket (98 TA) and I want to make sure it's that before taking it to a shop. The synptoms are loosing coolant constantly and when it does that it overheats. I think I'll buy a set of used 243s since I have 853s and I want to at least gain some power since the head are going to be removed.

what kind of head gasket should I buy?

ALPHA Q

iTrader: (17)

ttt....

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

MLS headgaskets from like SDPC would be my choice.

I would say if you pull your cap off the passenger valve cover and see if it is foamy or "whipped" looking consistency...then you have coolant in your oil. Thus resulting in the blown gasket.

You aren't gonna really pick uppower by switching heads. I would suggest that you get your 853's milled and use them again...or find someone local that will port them. It will be the same as getting some ported 243's if they can pull off a good job.

ALPHA Q

iTrader: (17)

thanks,

is there any other reason why I'm loosing so much coolant and overheating besides a blown head gasket?


are all MLS the same size?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

That would be a good cause. oes your exhaust smell kinda funny? or look like it is steam more than smoke?

Well, i left it generalized to MLS just because if you have a different tolerance with a different head, or a milled head. Multi-Layered Steel gaskets come in different sizes.

ALPHA Q

iTrader: (17)

one time I saw steam coming out of the manifolds after running a little hard and it smelled like burned coolant also I've seen steam coming out of the exhaust.