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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Sidekick, Vitara, Geo Tracker (Gen. 1 Platform) 1989-1998 => Topic started by: 99Trackerconv on November 14, 2011, 05:47:46 PM

Title: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: 99Trackerconv on November 14, 2011, 05:47:46 PM

A guy at work is selling a 94 w/200K miles for $500, he said it needs a new head gasket.

I'm thinking about checking it out. How much would it cost for a used motor and what could I use if I need to get one

Title: Re: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: beagle..t on November 14, 2011, 08:43:23 PM

just get the head machined

Title: Re: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: Drone637 on November 15, 2011, 09:26:36 AM

For a replacement motor I payed 1000 for a JDM engine.  It took a bit of tuning to get it running right but seems to be working pretty well now.

Did he overheat the motor, loose compression?  As beatle..t said, simply having the head gone over and a new gasket might get you another 50,000 miles happily.  But if the rings are also going then a full rebuild might be in order.

Title: Re: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: 99Trackerconv on November 18, 2011, 02:32:59 PM

Well I said guy but I was mistaken.... Actually turned out to be the wife of a co-worker that passed away a couple months ago. (It makes me want to check it out even more, cause he was a pretty good friend)

I remember him telling me that he bought a Tracker for cheap. And if I remember correctly its a 4x4 4dr... I don't know what shape the body is in and the bad part for me is if there is any rust holes I can't get it legal till its fixed.

I called her today and left a message but she works night shift so I probably won't hear from her till tomarrow.  Hopefully she can tell me a little more about it then.

If it just happened I might be able to do the gasket set it was $120 at Advanced and I'll look around other places too


Hope my wife approves too but I doubt it..... it might just apear in the back yard one day, you never know!

Title: Re: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: talonxracer on November 18, 2011, 05:14:35 PM

They have similar laws in Pa and my cousin just fills any rust holes with bondo using drywall seam mesh for a backer. Then a splash of primer and she is all sealed up to pass inspection, doesnt have to look nice or even last(other than to get inspected).

Title: Re: how much to fix a head gasket?
Post by: 99Trackerconv on November 18, 2011, 07:46:29 PM

I guess that bondo trick could work. But I guess it depends on how bad too.

She still didn't call so I hope tomarrow she will.