when to change 3.1L int. gskt. before it can kill motor?

[bombergp]

I like my car and would like to head off THE BIG certain problems coming, & not wait for them to show up, so when is a good point to just do the dam gaskets? I'm at 54k mi. on my 2001 SE and have prestone extended life coolant in 8/05 @ 48k mi.

[richtazz]

As soon as you see any signs of it leaking (milky oil, orangish deposits on the underside of the oil fill cap, clogged pcv valve, external leaks at the ends of the lower manifold, etc...) change it. Driving habits can extend or reduce the life expectancy of the factory gasket set. I'd wait until warmer weather if you live in a cold weather state, and remember the old mechanics creed, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it".

[jimmyv-21]

i agree with rich. while most need replaced, many go for well over 100k before replacement. if you dog it, it will need replaced sooner than later. but no point in replacing it if it is not broken, since it is quite a job. treat your car good and she'll be good back to you(unless your car is a 1999 dodge stratus lol).

[wlkjr]

I would suggest getting an oil sample kit from Blackstone Labs and sending a sample off the next time you change oil. If the potassium level is high it will indicate a problem with the gasket. If you don't change your own, I'm sure whoever does it wouldn't mind letting a few ounces drain into the sample bottle.