I have a '97 eclipse RS, non turbo. It's leaking oil. I already brought it to
two different shops, and both of them were saying that the leak is from
the head gasket. It is going to cost me about $700 dollars to be
fixed. They were saying also that the leak may come back after 4-5 yrs. My
friend suggested that I buy a performance head gasket and just pay for
installation. I don't really know about cars, and I don't want to make
quick judgement because I'm a college student which means I'm broke.
What should I do? Please reply ASAP because I have to get my car fixed
before the new semester starts. Let me also know the nearest trusted DSM ,Non Dealer, mechanic around my area, San Jose.

Your best bet would be to get together with some of the local 2GNTers and make a day of changing the headgasket yourself. The MLS (multi layer steel) HG runs about $70 and it will take about a day to pull the head (and all the stuff on it) and replace the gasket. You're really not going to find a better deal than $700 for a head gasket change. My local dealershit wanted $1100 to do the same. For that price I bought a bottom end rebuild kit.

I say get to know some of the CA members. They are good guys and wil more than likely be able to help you out sir.

i think i won't have enough time to gather the 2GNTers. besides, probably no one would be willing to just offer me a hand in fixing my car. i don't know a lot about fixing car but i'm willing to learn. i don't have a chance to really explore my car since it is forbidden to do some major work in a car in our apartment. the $700 is not from a dealer, it from independent mechanic. i'm don't really understand that MLS? if i'm just going to pay the mechanic to put the gasket, would it be wise to buy a stock gasket or buy a performance/nonstock gasket?

Well, them MLS or Multi Layer Steel head gaskets are better than the stock or aftermarket head gaskets. It is tri-metal which means there is three layers of steel in the gasket, leading to less of a chance of getting a head gasket leak. The stock head gaskets in the 2G Eclipses are actually a cheap fiber, and not able to withstand the constant expanding and contracting the engine puts on it, whereas the MLS ones do stand up to that.

where do i get those MLS. What brand/s to consider? Which one is the most reasonable for the best price.

I had my HG replaced about 3 years ago, and I'm having to replace it again (car's in the shop as we speak). Satan's replacing it under warranty, so I'll probably look into putting on a MLS gasket next time.

1998 Eclipse GS

You're right. two of the mechanic i talked to told me that i may have to replace the HG after 3 or so yrs after fixing the current problem on my car. I wonder how many yrs would an MLS survive? also, i wonder if i should invest on a mechanic on installing it or take a risk from someone who works at home at very cheap price.

all your head gaskets keep leaking over and over again, because one of the headbolts is too long(theres something under it, i forget what) so after the bolts torque flex, the head wont seal properly (i wanna say its the rear drivers side corner head bolt) it needs to be taken down a few notches or you need to use ARP headstuds, and the problem goes away.

i dont know why this isnt sticky, or even posted on the main page. (:wary mods?)almost all 420a's have this problem...

thank god myke and dino schooled me when i had my HG done, or ide be re-doing it like u guys....

2005 Corolla XRS
2ZZ 6-speed

i called up the mits. dealer. i've asked him if they could just install MLS Hg. but he said he does not recommend it. the guy in service told me they that they have an improved head gasket. i don't know if i should just consider that instead. aja, can you ask your friends for more detailed information about that bolt you were talking about.

arent you able to just crank that corner one down a little tighter?? i currently have a 95 talon that i think is doing this same thing....my friend also has a 96 talon....we replaced his headgasket and it still leaked....he took it to a dealer and they cranked the back bolts down a few pounds tighter....anyone reccomend doing this?? its worth a try....just take the valvecover off and give it a quarter turn
doug

14b custom turbo kit, modified starion front mount, 9.6:1 JE pistons/Eagle rods....running 12psi
screw flanders

also whenever changing a leaky headgasket i would check for warpage of the head or block, most likely the head would warp and not the block but its easy to check for

Mods:
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the "improved" head gasket is included to the $850 dollars i have to pay. i found another mits. dealer that's why it's $150 cheaper compare to $1000 i said earlier. to tighten that bolt, i have to remove the valve cover gasket first? is that what were you saying. if any of you guys have the picture of that bolt (still attached to the engine), can you post it here. i don't want to tight the wrong bolt.