New supra owner

[Blsadler]

I just bought an 89 supra turbo. I have read that these models tend to blow head gaskets at around 90k. the car runs smooth and there are no indications that there are any problems. I am considering changing out the head gasket as a preemptive strike. I am not a mechanic but I think that it may be something I can handle. Not sure what to do yet, I hate to tear it apart when it runs good.
It is reliable imfo that the headgaskets are unreliable.

[TxSpeedBoy]

yes, it is true.


http://photos.dylanwiggins.com/thumbnails.php?album=84

Definatly go with a metal head gasket. Good luck.

[mrnickleye]

If it were me (and it was 3 years ago when I got my '89), I would drive it for awhile to see how it is. I always change 'all' the fluids within the 1st month. (My gasket started leaking last May, so I did a valve job, resurfaced the head, hand-cleaned the block, and reassembled it. Runs great.)

If it runs good, and no coolant leaks, or having to add collant, then flush out the system and reload with antifreeze, 50/50 mixture. I would go ahead and change all hoses too. And the rad. cap.

DON'T use a metal headgasket unless you are gonna have the block resurfaced, along with the head resurfacing. The metal gasket is very 'unforgiving', and will not seal correctly. Both surfaces must be very fine.

A regular headgasket will sqeeze down and compensate for some little irregularities in the surfaces.

They accepted cause of the gasket failure is the fact that the factory only torqued the bolts to 58 ftlbs. They should be 72 ftlbs.

This seems to resolve the problem.

[Blsadler]

thanx for the input