Discussion:
Headgasket Leak

We have a S50Ft F187VO1869C with a head gasket leak on it. The motor is the Mazda motor. My maintenance person seems to think these are "throw away" motors because on another unit we have it says the life of the motor is 5000 hours. Anyone care to shed some light on this for me? Why cant we just pull the head and have it inspected for cracks and then put a new headgasket on and put it back together?
Thanks for any advice.
  • Posted 21 Aug 2012 02:41
  • By chevelless502
  • joined 11 Dec'11 - 9 messages
  • Illinois, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
I would also add that the anti-freeze should be changed yearly on any aluminum headed engine. I know they make additives to prevent electrolysis, but I still recommend replacing the antifreeze
  • Posted 24 Aug 2012 23:56
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
the sticker is there to meet EPA and CARB regulations, and what it really says is not that the motor is a a throw away at 5000 hours, but that the motor is designed to meet EPA specs for at least 5000 hours with proper maintenance.
I would expect 15000 hours on these motors blocks and cranks and rods with proper maintenance.
  • Posted 23 Aug 2012 07:07
  • By edward_t
  • joined 5 Mar'08 - 2,334 messages
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"
Thanks to those that answered so far. That was my same feelings on it also but i just wanted to make sure.
  • Posted 21 Aug 2012 22:03
  • By chevelless502
  • joined 11 Dec'11 - 9 messages
  • Illinois, United States
I've noticed the stickers also. I believe the manufacturer relieves themselves from liability if you repair the engine past the suggested lifespan.

I certainly wouldn't just throw the engine away because of a blown head gasket, just take the head to a reputable machine shop & have a full valve job done along w/ a shave as mrfixit suggested. Just make sure the head doesn't become to thin.
  • Posted 21 Aug 2012 08:16
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
I wouldn't throw it away. Check it for cracks and resurface it. Check that the valves aren't leaking too. Really it is a good time for a valve job and new valve seals. For some reason the motors on newer lifts have a sticker on them about 7000 hours lifespan but they can go 30000 if maintained
  • Posted 21 Aug 2012 07:04
  • By mrfixit
  • joined 11 Dec'08 - 1,434 messages
  • New York, United States

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