Mindburn

Im convinced to not get the crap in a bottle. So I took the car out for a drive after it sat for two years. Drove it 70-80 on the highway for 10 miles. No overheating, but the temp gauge climbed up and then dropped back to normal a few times. Im guessing the head gasket might still be on its way to death, but its interesting how the car is essentially driveable. Either way, it sounds minor?

These are all great answers. Thank you. I just did some more reading about this, and the handful of people claim that some magical pour in sealant, similar to a fix a flat, is worth trying before replacing the head gaskets. But based on what is happening that I mentioned in the original post, it doesn't seem like just merely using a pour-in sealer would suffice. Any thoughts?

Based on my [limited] mechanical expertise, it is time to replace the head gasket in my 95 legacy wagon, 2.2L. At about 230,000, it instantly overheated and white clouds (antifreeze) went out the exhaust. There is also oil mixed with the coolant in the radiator when I changed the thermostat, hoping that was the only issue. So...its time. Also, the timing belt was replaced around 210,000, so im guessing thats not necessary again? A few things/questions: 1. There are many brands of the gaskets out there. I've heard only mixed reviews whether to go 0EM or not. So which a gasket kit should I get? I do not want to do the cheapest but I am on a budget. 2. Are there any online step-by-step instructions, a manual, or video on this? I tried the Google thing, and came up with nothing so please don't say "just Google it." Is the repair manual from parts store sufficient enough for this? It seems like they leave out a lot of details. Thanks for taking time to read this!