1993 Mazda Navajo - Mechanic concerns

[Tristan]

Hi Everyone,
This is the first time that I have posted on the site in a while and I hope that some of you would be good enough to share your expertise with me.

I have a 1993 Mazda Navajo with approx. 122,000 miles on it. I purchased it in 2000. I think that it is in pretty decent shape.

I had a PA state inspection done on it in Jan. It had some work required and passed. When I made the appointment to have the inspection done, I asked for the to find whatever might be wrong with it because I would be using it on a long daily commute. There were some things found, with inspection and tune up the cost was approx. $600.00 including inspection, tuneup etc. I asked him about losing coolant and possible head gasket problems and he told me tht they did not check for that, but that I believe he said that the coolant system passed a pressure test.

Early this week I dropped it off for a safety inspection (due to my daily commute I did not want any surprises). The mechnanic notified me that the head gasket was leaking (externally) and that the power steering was leaning that the the brake lines were rotting. To replace the leaking head gasket would run about 2200-2400 and with the rest of the repairs, the total would come to about $3000.00. I'm going to be changing mechancs/shop, not because of the repairs (leaking power steering and brake lines are to be expected), but because those type of things don't go wrong in a month and a half and they really couldn't have done the type of check that I requested. My questions are these.

$2200-$2400 to replace a leaking (not blown) head gasket. This seems quite high. Is it? I've lost coolant for years and the temp would spike up to halfway for years. Engine power is very strong.

Can a leaking head gasket be addressed with some additive/sealant?

What would be the best way to go about selling it. I've got a long daily commute and would like to drive the Navajo (which by the way I really like!)
but for my needs, investing in those kind of repairs would not make sense for me.

Your help and advice would be appreciated.

DJ

 

[wood1]

I would strongly suggest you get a second opinion. I would think that for that kind of money you would be able to get reman engine...

If you merely need a head gasket you should be looking at a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately these engines don't appreciate being run hot, and your's may have had a "hot supper" or two before you bought it. Most likely in that case you are looking at cracked heads.

Regardless, you were quoted way high for a blown head gasket...

 

[Tristan]

Hi Wood1,
Thank you for your reply. I thought that the price was quite high. The engine runs very strong and well. One of the reasons I hate to part with it. While it doesn't make sense, maybe they just didn't want to work on it. I've been driving it every day for the pat month and a half and it does well. I'm going to get a 2nd opinion on it.

Thank you again!

DJ

 

[kit352]

or you could just drive it as is and wait for a bigger issue to rear its ugly head. if my head gasket went i think its cheaper and easier to just replace the motor with a good used one. headgaskets and cracked heads seem to go hand in hand sadly.

 

[Tristan]

93 Navajo

Could the head be cracked? The engine seems to run fairly smoothly.

DJ

 

[kit352]

alot of them are. its a common issue. its just one of those things you find while your doing headgaskets. replacements are only mildly expensive but it does add up.

 

[Tristan]

Thank you kit352,

The price I was quoted blew me out of the water. Right now I think that I might get a 2nd opinion, though ultimately I'm probably going to sell it, hopefully to a mechanic that can do the work themself.

BTW have you know if those additive/sealants work?

Thanks,

DJ

 

[Turdle]

http://www.barsproducts.com/1111.htm
You might give it a shot.

I'd almost bet the mechanic bid the job high to either get out of doing it, or, to cover the cost of new heads-engine.

 

[ricco750]

Thank you kit352,

The price I was quoted blew me out of the water. Right now I think that I might get a 2nd opinion, though ultimately I'm probably going to sell it, hopefully to a mechanic that can do the work themself.

BTW have you know if those additive/sealants work?

Thanks,

DJ

Slow down, Tristan...you say you like the car, and the engine runs great? There's no need, from what you have said so far, to hurry up and dump the truck. Frankly, I think your mechanic was behind in his boat payments!

Your engine should have the newer, heavier heads, which are much less prone to crack. The power steering leak is common and an easy fix...an o-ring, a new pressure hose, or both...no big deal. The "rotting" brake lines are probably the front frame to caliper lines, which have a flexible section connected to a solid metal line...they're about $18 each at your local parts store...I just replaced mine last month.

I have had all of these issues with my '93X2WD, and the engine is still going strong at 241,000 miles. I would not hesitate to use an additive in the coolant. I put some Alumaseal in my coolant several years ago to address the slow coolant use, and it worked well. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Tristan]

Thanks for all your responses, this is exactly what I am looking for.

I'm going to get a 2nd opinion. The mechanic basically told me he thought it was a decision point as to whether or not to put more money into the vehicle. The coolant loss problem has been there for years. I have long daily commute and if the head gasket were in danger of blowing, I didn't want to be 80 miles from home. I'll also look into the sealant as well.

Thank you all.

DJ

 

[JDraper]

A second opinion is definitely warranted for what was described. If the rest of the truck is sound it's worth a couple dollars to have it checked. If it's just an intake manifold gasket, then that's not too bad a job to do. Brake lines and the power steering leak are easy fixes. I'm about an hour north of you and can do that stuff in my garage pretty easily if you need someone to help.

 

[Tristan]

Hi JDraper

Thank you for the reply! I'm going to get that 2nd opinion. Unfortunately I've got to find another shop. I had really liked the one I was going to but my last couple of experiences with them left me with some concerns. The truck doesn't owe me anything but for a '93 it's in pretty good shape (brought it up here from Fl)

Thank you for the kind offer, I do appreciate it. The different posts and advice have been very helpful.

DJ