HI everyone! someone please clear a very confusing question up for me.... On the engine block i have a leak appears to be coming from the passanger side rear. a couple of questions 1. is that where cyl #4 is located? 2. i read on another post that there is something located on the block on the drivers side rear that allows for bad oil to come back into the block and if not aligned correctly will leak onto the trans therefore making it look like a rear main leak. Is this true? Has anyone else had experience with this? 3. What are the advantages of a copper head gasket? Because i have to get my timing and all accessory belt changed and i eant to make sure i direct my mechanic correctly because i don't want to spend a fortune for him to inspect things he doesn't need to inspect. it costs $$$$ and i don't have $$$. :-(
Anyone with info on our headgasket problems please HELP!!! I have a 96 GS 420A engine....

The #4 cylinder is on the drivers side.

Are you sure it's the headgasket and not the valvecover gasket that's leaking?

The "thing" you heard about is a head bolt hole that wasn't tapped deep enough, thus not allowing proper torque to be applied to the gasket. It is only a problem on the stock single layer head gasket, and not on all of them, it seems (mine's fine after 6 months of turbocharged abuse..)

Copper headgaskets are more resistant to heat and the abuses endured during high-pressure forced induction operation, but don't seal quite as well as multi layer gaskets. I've heard of water leakage problems with copper HG's.

______________________________________
-Dino Yancey
I'm so bad, i should be in detention.


Get the Mitsubishi Technical Information manual for the 95-99 Eclipse HERE!
http://www.heavenz-not-0verflowing.com/files/dsmmanual.pdf

THank you for replying.
Yes it's the head gasket i've gone through 2 already. the valve cover gasket and surrounding area is clean as can be.
So this hole that wasn't drilled deep enough. i'm just confused. is it actually needed as a function to keep the gasket tight or is just to release pressure?
When i had my gasket replaced the 2nd time the mechanic that did it recommended an other-than stock gasket because the original was defective to begin with something about another gasket company modified it from the original to be better because of ddesign flaws and it didn't cost but 5 dollars more than dealer price.
I'm not good with the technicalities of the engine i go for looks that's why i became a member because you guys seem to know your stuff through experience.
I think the copper HG would be a bad idea then.
Let me know :-)
I have to get a picture of my car...

Next time you need to get it replaced, go to the Mitsu dealer and ask them for the MLS (multi layer steel) headgasket for the eclipse non-turbo. it's about $35. Then ask them for a printout of the torque specs using that headgasket, because they are different than stock.

From what i've heard, that MLS gasket, properly torqued, should solve your problem.


Alternatly, i've heard that you can shave a little off the bottom of the bolt that goes into that hole, and it'll work as a cheap fix. i don't recommend this path, however, because who the heck would intentionally damage the threads of something that is going to be torqued down into your block??
______________________________________
-Dino Yancey
I'm so bad, i should be in detention.


Get the Mitsubishi Technical Information manual for the 95-99 Eclipse HERE!
http://www.heavenz-not-0verflowing.com/files/dsmmanual.pdf

Great! thanks for the info!! I'll have my mech check it out and if it is infact the gasket (again) i'll have him order that gasket.
Where did you get that sticker from? I want it..

Well Dino, I'zz tell you why. I want to boost compression. So I need a thinner HG and will mill off the head. So to prevent the problems with leaking, I'll take a little off the bolt and clean it up with my Tap & Die set. For you turbo folk, MLS is a great idea. Personally I want a .022" thick copper gasket.

"Claim Victory in your heart, and the universe will follow."
Michael J. Kulaga e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com
aol IM: MJKulga Website: http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

Injen CAI w/ K&N Breather Filters, AFX UDP, 55mm TB, GS-T Muffler, FU/RU/RL STBs, Front NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., Red Silicone Hose Kit, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, Bosch Rapidfire Plugs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors and Carbon Fiber Pads

And in my Room: Rear disc brake conversion kit, SS Brake Lines, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors and KVR Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads, SS Clutch Line, Rear Motor Mount Ins., S-AFC, EGT

Waiting for from RRE: Front Lower Tie Bar

Waiting for: Intake Manifold being ported/polished, A/F Meter