Advice on buying a Probe in need of head gasket.

Bluntz| · #1 10-11-2006, 08:45 PM

I have the oppurtunity to get a great deal on a 95 Ford Probe 2.0 that doesnt run, a blown headgasket is the cause. My question is is it worth it to tackle this job myself and get this baby running? It is in great condition minus the motor, tranny is nice and everything is good.

How hard is it to change a head gasket if you have done all your own mechanical work in the past except no job like this lol.
Can this be done in a weekend?
What is the cost of doing this?
Is this a decent motor?
Thank you guys for the input.

rhandwor · #2 10-13-2006, 03:57 PM

If only the gasket is bad it can be done in a day. If the head is cracked you have to either buy a new one or get it repaired. If you buy it and the owner guarntees only the gasket is blowed and is willing to pay for head repairs ok.
I send the heads to a machine shop and get them pressure tested and checked for flatness. Gaskets and time is your cost and $ 40.00 for pressure test. Otherwise your work is done for nothing.

Bluntz| · #3 10-20-2006, 10:48 AM

Well i ended up buying it, starting the process now of learning how to do the job right. Man i am getting very excited now as these probes are very easily modded and i can see doing great things with this car. I am like a kid in a candy store with what you can do with these cars. I look forward to getting to know this car inside out and backwards

Thanks for the advice man.

tonyfreak215 · #4 10-24-2006, 07:16 PM

if u want some help and places to buy probe parts go to performanceprobe.com for a site deidcated to probes. (not trying to spam, it's just a great resource site)

tomjanovich · #5 11-06-2006, 11:45 PM

dont be stupid and get a cheap gasket, trust me, get a oem one and be happy. head gaskets are touchy. talk to a mechanic first. good luck

tomjanovich · #6 11-06-2006, 11:47 PM

Oh just to clarify i dont mean to call you stupid, im just saying that do it right the first time or dont do it at all. best of luck to you.

Bluntz| · #7 12-15-2006, 04:08 PM

Well i got this car and i am begining to think i got screwed. I been waiting for a storage unit to open up so i can go do this mission, well one did i paid and today i went out there assuming this would start even with a bad head gaskets so i could at least make it to the unit which isnt far less than a mile.
Well i charged the battery all night, hooked it up and when i go to start nuttin.
The lights all work everything seems strong. I hooked up battery charger on the booster just to give it a shot and still nothing.
No turning over juct a "Clink" and then nothing.
No belts turn, no pullies spin. So now gentz i think i got a seized up motor here what are my options? Can i rebuild this motor? Would i be better off going to get another 2.0 from the junkyard? I am kind of bummed about this so if you can shed some light on what i should do id appreciate it.

rhandwor · #8 12-15-2006, 06:10 PM

Pull the spark plugs and pour brake fluid into each cylinder. Do this for a couple of days. Then use a 1/2 inch breaker bar and try to rotate the engine.
If it won't move try two or three more days. After it rotates roll it and use some more brake fluid. After three more days it should be ready to work on install a head gasket pour oil on all cylinders let drain in the morning change oil and filter. Rotate the engine with the starter and with the plugs out until the oil light goes out or about 10 to 20 psi. Install the plugs and try to start. Usually this will work on old tractors. A friend uses marvel mystery oil.
No guarantee but the cheapest way out.
If flush with cash dismantle and have a machine shop rebuild. As these use a mazda engine. I have used a Japanese importer and installed the ford intake and it worked fine.

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