I have an 88 GL Wagon with 126k that I've had for about 15k miles myself and never had any big problems. My clutch is needing to be replaced soon and I know it's at the mileage where I should think about doing the timing belt as well. These aren't too big of issues seeing as I work at a shop and have access to a lift, tools, and help.

 

Seeing as the whole engine is going to be out of the car during this process I was thinking about going through and just doing a complete seal kit as well, including new head gaskets. But I'm being advised by somebody that it's not necessary to do a preventative replacement of the gaskets if they haven't gone bad. I'm just worried about it going out on me 10k miles down the road and wishing I would have done it while everything was pulled out. So I'm needing some advice, do I bother to spend the extra money now? Or just wait for the potential failure?

 

Also, any advice about things I should check in general while I have it all torn apart? I want this to be a reliable car for a daily driver / adventurer.

 

Thanks in advance for the advice!

You asked. Spend the small amount now, considering your situation.

For the little extra I'd do it when you got it apart.

Since you are pulling the engine, I would do them now... as well as the oil seals.

Ditto everyone else.... do them now so you wont have to worry about them later. And use only Fel-Pro gaskets or OEM ones.

It should be leaking oil like mad by now.  A reseal should fix that.  OEM o rings [or other only if reinforced]  for the oil channel that goes to the cam shaft.

Why would you replace them?  Is there a compelling reason to question the engine?
I don't think most people consider prevantative headgasket replacements, particularly on an engine that isn't known to have headgasket issues - though time isn't helping that.

 

I would base it on engine history - the more comfortable you are it's had few overheating events/good maintenance/driving environment, the more likely I'd leave them.

 

EA82's are cake to do in the engine bay without pulling - particularly if you don't mind leaning over the fenders (don't have bad backs, knees, physical restraints), and have air tools.  You can have a head off in like an hour on those things.  So easy, no way I'd waste time pulling an engine for a headgasket job on EA82's.

 

But sure - if you don't mind doing it - then why not?  We are certainly a very DIY crowd that would applaud a little extra wrenching too.