MR2 head gasket

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Sat 16 Aug 2003 19:42
MR2 head gasket - Danny_kent
I just got given an mr2 mk1, the body works in pristeen condition as well as the interior but the head gakset has gone :(

The problem is the guy stripped it down 9 months ago and left it, it was all kept dry and theres just a touch of surface rust in the cylinders, nothing to worry about there though.

Has anyone any ideas the likely cost of a head gasket being fitted? I have the gasket set and the engine is stripped, so it needs fitting and rebuilding back up, any help is greatly appreciated :)
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Sat 16 Aug 2003 20:37
MR2 head gasket - Hugo {P}
When you say the engine is stripped, I assume you mean that the Head is off the block.

If I'm right you should also change the timing belt at the same time. This will have been taken off to get the head off. As most BR members know, the effect of one of these going would be catastrophic, to say the least. There should be no extra cost in replacing the belt

Labour, you're talking about 4 hrs work on a standard 4 cyl ohc, plus any other ancilliaries (add cost of timing belt). Others with more experience may disagree, but I would get a rough quote over the phone before committing yourself.

You are extremely lucky to have been given one of these cars!

H
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Sat 16 Aug 2003 22:38
MR2 head gasket - Danny_kent
Yeah i am lucky :) it was just sitting in his garage taking up space according to him! So i kindly took the red beast off his hands. Ive rung a few garages but they tell me they cant give an estimate until they see the car but i dont REALLY wannja take it there and find out its gonna be extremely expensive! ANY idea of a price?
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Sat 16 Aug 2003 23:12
MR2 head gasket - Hugo {P}
Depends what they charger per hour.

My advice is, since it is immobile, look for a mobile mechanic.

I used to use one for odds and s**s, he was very reasonable.

H
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Sat 16 Aug 2003 23:13
MR2 head gasket - Hugo {P}
Oh, and spray or squirt some oil on those cylinder linings etc, rotate the engine by hand and make sure they have a film of oil on them.

H
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Mon 18 Aug 2003 19:29
MR2 head gasket - Dave N
There may be a good reason why the gasket went, ie overheating. Therefore you need to have the head checked, and then pressure check the system to make sure the heater hoses and radiator aren't leaking. Otherwise you'll be doing it a second time.
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