Head gasket leak

[WagonEscort1994]

I have a head gasket leak in my 1.9l escort engine. I haven't noticed any oil in the coolant or vice versa, but there is considerable burning coolant smell. Anyhow, with 125,000 miles, I was wondering if I should simply replace the head and gasket, or go for the complete used engine. How much life could I expect to get with just the new top end parts? Is it likely that I'll create ring blow-by with them? Has anyone attempted an engine replacement in this car? Low mileage engines are about $350 complete. I enjoy doing the work, but if it's a whale of a job, I might rather milk the remaining life from the existing engine. Thanks.

[jeffescortlx]

If it was up to me I'd drop in a 97 Escort 2.0 SOHC motor, they bolt in the same as a 1.9 with just having to reuse some of the 1.9 parts, just need to rig up your self a split port controller, it's a electric motor that opens a larger opening in the intake manifold. You'll have your self close to 25% more power for about the same price as a nother 1.9.

[WagonEscort1994]

Thanks for the reply. Have you ever tried this? Do you know how to create a split port controller? I am definitely interested in some more power, this thing isn't using all the new suspension capacity it has.
Thanks again. WE4

Originally Posted by jeffescortlx

If it was up to me I'd drop in a 97 Escort 2.0 SOHC motor, they bolt in the same as a 1.9 with just having to reuse some of the 1.9 parts, just need to rig up your self a split port controller, it's a electric motor that opens a larger opening in the intake manifold. You'll have your self close to 25% more power for about the same price as a nother 1.9.

[jeffescortlx]

Yes, I have done this swap twice to differant Escorts. I use a aftermarket tach with a shift light, just wire up a relay to the shift light output and have the relay drive the SPI motor. I set the tach to about 3000 RPM's.