Head Gasket Issue, Need Advice

My son has a 2000 ZX2 with 170,000 miles on it. Still runs pretty strong and body in decent condition. He has been adding coolant the past 6 months or so and has said there is never a puddle under the vehicle when parked. We had it checked out at a local shop, they pressure checked it and there are no external leaks. They said it must be an internal head gasket leak and said they verified by starting it up when cold and it missed for a few seconds. Said it was the coolant burning off that was inside the cylinder or cylinders. They said when replacing the head gasket on an engine with that many miles should also include a timing belt and water pump. Around $1000.

My question for those more knowledgable than myself, is this vehicle with 170,000 miles worth fixing up?? I'm thinking my son and I could make an attempt at this job to save maybe half that price or more. If we do, are the mechanics right to suggest replacing the timing belt and water pump?? Don't believe either has ever been done and he bought the car new. Is there anything else that would be worth changing with it torn apart?? Thanks for any advice!!

If you do the job yourself I would let a machine shop pressure test the head. Also do your other repairs do a Yahoo search for parts before doing the job.

Head gasket replaced and ZX2 running better than it has for a few years!! Not a simple 1-2 hour job lots to take apart and reassemble, but I with minor mechanical skills did get it done. Certainly saved a few $$$ as the quote to do the job was over $1000 and with gaskets and head bolts less than $200. Also throw in $3.00 for hand cleaner!! :grinyes: