tritonofg

Hello to all...
I am new to mustangs and have a queation as I am (hopefully) going to buy my first stang.
I am going to view/test drive an 89 Mustang LX with 198K Miles tomorrow.
The owner already told me that it looses coolant due to a bad gasket or bad heads.
Any way to tell without which it is without tearing engine apart.

Also...

Anyone know how much it costs to replace the head gaskets or the heads alltoghether?

Thanks in advance

ckyguy68

Its probably a head gasket. Your looking at about $500 in labor for one head. If it puffs out white smoke, its definately the head gasket. If for some reason it is a head (doubtfull), i would go with new performance heads, which will run $500-$1500, nicer ones being more expensive.

turt

It can be an intake leak as well,,,, although its not as likely as head gasket. For the intake to be burning water it needs to have an air leak and a water leak side by side. Anyway head gaskets are a sinch and anything can be repaired.

ZachW04Stang

I hope your getting a hell of a deal on that car. No way to tell unless some one actaully looks at the car and goes through diagnostic steps to check where the coolants going. For all I know it could really just be a leaking hose.

Twisted

+1. I hope there is something making up for the fact that the car may have serious engine problems. If your getting the car for under a grand, and don't mind doing a little wrenching, I'd say go for it. Can you take the car to a mechanic before purchasing it?

ckyguy68

Comon Twisted, i think we all know a head gasket is more that just a little wrenching

ZachW04Stang

I'd call a mustang head gaskets a little wrenching. I just replaced head gaskets on a chevy venture at work. That was the 3 day head gasket job.

PRO50SC

Novice!!