Well about 2 weeks ago ii noticed my sammy was running just a bit hotter then normal. Checked the coolant lv and noticed it was a bit low, no biggie. Then i noticed it was a creamy color.Hmmmm i wasn't sure what to think about this at the time. It started running hot again the next day but almost to the red.CRAP ok what could it be? I replaced the thermostate but noticed the one i replaced looked brand new. The water pump wasn't leaking and it seemed to be pumping water still. Ok time to check the fan. Fan was shot and a new one cost about the same amount that i could buy a electric fan with electric thermostate so i opted for the electric. That solves the fan problem. Got it put back together saturday and started it up, let it heat up to operating temp. fan kicked on like it should but didn't cool the engine down. Grrrr now i am just getting ill. after about 5 mins of running at operating temp. I noticed the sammy smocking like crazy. Now i am upset i knew the problem from the begining but just didn't want to admit it. Blown head gasket. Now i have to decide weather or not to fix the head gasket and leave it be or upgrade the engine to a 1.6 or 2.0. Of course the newer engine would be the better way to go right? now i have to save up to do the swap and not waste any more money in the old engine. Gonna be a bit before wheeling again. GRRRR this makes me ill since i just started wheeling it a couple weeks ago!

Thats bad news, I have just being going through this problem with my 413 pick up. I was going to do the head gasket but then I pulled the head and found the bores quite worn. I decided to go with the 1.6 motor swap instead. The engine arrived on Friday so I'm going to get started on the swap in the next few days. I'm looking to keep the costs down as much as possible so no conversion plate and I'll use all the 1.3 ancillaries for now as the 1.6 hasn't got any.

head gaskets are easy to replace on these lil guys.  I would replace it...

Head gasket is definittely going to be way cheaper than a 1.6 swap. I would replace the gasket then start acquiring parts for the swap.

I replaced the head gasket on my old tracker. its easy enough to do. i might just do that and save some money for tires and spoa kit or something. i will have to think on this more it seems. but i want to swap anyway so this is kinda like my excuse to swap 

You never need an excuse to upgrade...   ...And the only "reason" you ever need is "I want to..."   we'll understand...