95 es 300 head problems

i just got a 95 es300 and i was told that it has a blown head gasket, however there is exhaust coming through the radiator... is this a possible cracked head, should i just get a gasket kit or replace the motor, the motor only has 110000 miles on it. i got a good deal on the car and im pretty mechanically inclined, i could do either or, just wondering how my time is best invested in this car.

If it were me and I had the time, I would do the following:

1) Replace the cracked header or down pipe that is causing exhaust to come through the radiator. If the exhaust is just passing through the radiator fins, then that's all I think is needed for that. If it is forcing coolant out of the radiator or causing bubbling, then on to 2)

2) Replace the head gaskets (might as well do both if you have the time, but the rear gasket will be a bear). Do a compression check to determine the culprit side. Check the heads, pistons, valves for wear, damage, corrosion. If the head is cracked then replace it.

3) Replace the timing belt. 110k is over the mileage limit for belt replacement...also replace the idler and tensioner pulleys. If there is oil leaking from the camshaft or crankshaft seals, replace those too.

4) New water and oil pumps wouldn't hurt...since you've got the timing belt covers off anyways.

5) Flush & fill radiator, transmission, differential, and new oil.

All in all, I think the work above would still be well below what it would cost to buy and install a replacement engine. Good luck!

a blown head gasket can be the cause of the exhaust in radiator as well as a cracked head so with that being said suggest that you have motor torn down and determine wheather or not head is cracked and the determine what to do if head is cracked. At that piont i would think about puting in a new motor if the head is indeed cracked. If not you will be good to go. Also another option would be to see about getting a Japenesse takeout motor these motors are used but usually come out of the vehicle around 30k miles this is a good alternative as these motors are usually great motors and if its in your budget it might eliminate all the hassle of dealing with tearing down the motor and when your done you can feel good knowing that hte motor you put in is an almost new motor. hope this helps

well, i was thinking that i can get a motor from the local pull it yourself junk yard for about 180... so i was gonna get one of those and throw it in, ill try to find one thats been t-boned and has low milage but if i find something bad i have 30 days to take it back, and im pretty mechanically inclined, ive swapped two motors, just never done a front wheel drive. i figure after i get the other motor out then ill take it apart and see if its worth re-building, if it is, ill do so and put it back in, if not its goin to a scrap yard for scrap metal. i just dont know if its worth the time of tearin the old motor apart just to find out that there is a cracked head or block, and by the way, the exhaust is coming through the radiator into the overflow tank. i appreciate the advise though and i was wondering though, would it be easier to take the tranny out with the motor and split it on the ground or would it be easier to leave it in the car?

thanks for the advise, i really appreciate it.