What?: My g/f's MAZDA Protege 1994 died while driving long distance on a highway.

How?: Overheating leading to burning of engine ... somewhere.

Requirements: I want to repair the engine myself but, I do not know where to begin. All that the mechanic, where she was towed by AAA said, was that the head gasket had burnt. Is there a good trouble shooting guide that will walk me through the repairs? I do not want to spend more than $200 on this car so I plan to do it myself.

 

provided that the only thing that went was the head gasket, you can usually pick up a full upper gasket set (from the head up) for around 150 bucks. Get a haynes manual on the car, and good luck. Make sure that you have all the correct tools, dont try to make do with anything, if the manual calls for a specific tool, go buy it, or rent it from advance auto parts, oreillys or autozone. Take your time, be patient, and if you start to get frustrated, stop what you are doing and leave it alone till you cool off. Also make sure that you label each and every nut, bolt, part, with a piece of tape or some kind of paint pen, that way you put the parts exactly back where they belong. once again, hope that helps, and good luck.

 

all of the above is provided that you didnt crack the head, or anything else significant when the head gasket blew. My advice, ask the shop that the car is at if it is just the head gasket. or does he see other signs of serious damage.