Hey fellas,

Done lots of lurking here......Thought I would finally register and post my newest issue.

Just bought this 110K mazda 323. my other one headed for the scrapper.
First thing I noticed is a massive amount of dried and dirty oil all over the motor. Hot water washing + a couple cans of engine cleaner solved most of it.........a small tune up and a 20 minute drive later I noticed lots of oil pouring down the joint ( where the engine mounts and meets the tranny.

I followed it back up to JUST under or around the corner of the head. Nearest the distributor cap. The hard head gasket is poking out a tiny bit and I see it cracked. Oil is draining from there - At least I think so.

I don't know this history of this car but it seems well kept. No real signs of engine over heating causing a crack or warp in the head as far as I can tell........But what do I know - this will or would be my first head gasket replacement.

Can any one confirm what I am seeing here?
Could the oil be coming form another source? I have no heat issues or oil coolant mix or any thing of that nature......Just friendly old oil ! lol

Pictures if need be........Thanks!

 

http://img839.imageshack.us/f/house032.jpg/
http://img828.imageshack.us/i/house031.jpg/

 

Oil is running down the engine core.........vertically down as in picture 31 - Start in the corner at the gasket and runs all the way down, heavy leakage.......Any one?!?!

Thanks

 

http://img829.imageshack.us/f/dizy001.jpg/
Heavy oil spot in corner......long oil leak.

Camon guys!

 

voodooman,
i looked @ your pics and i was kind of confused about what i was looking at. anyway it sounds like your valve cover gasket is leaking & not your head gasket.

 

Yep, I found the pics confusing also. And I'm also thinking it's the valve cover gasket. It's a common failure and source of oil leaks.

 

thanks for the infos guys........its 100% my head gasket not my cover.

any picture guides on how to remove and replace the gasket?!

 

valve cover gasket and the disty o ring...