1997 Mazda 626 Overheating

JMDUPREE

MEMBER
1997 MAZDA 626

Engine Cooling problem
1997 Mazda 626 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 178K miles

HI,
I just bought this car from someone who said it was running hot and it was a water pump problem. I get a mechanic (not in shop) to fix it and the timing belt which was taken off, we also replaced the thermostat, tensioner, tensioner spring & fuel filter. After all this the car drove fine for 4 days. Then it stops pulling and starts to run hot. One mechanic said it's the head gasket. The other one said it's bent valves in the head and it's probably going to cost around $1200. I'm confused. What's the difference between replacing the HEAD and replacing the HEAD GASKET? Is it safe to buy a Head from a junk yard if it is bad. The 2nd mechanic also said it would be $500 for the shop to fix the bent valves. Is that right? What kind of shop does this?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following:, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, air lock in the cooling system, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.