I bought a used '98 DOHC EJ25 to put in my bug.

I'm in the process of replacing the headgaskets. THe PO said one of the gaskets blew just before he pulled the engine.

 

Take a look at this pic. Does this look like a blown gasket ?

How can I see if this one is busted or not ?

 

I'm going to replace the gaskets just to be sure, are there any other things I should do while I have the heads off ?

 

Thanks,

 

Rob.

yup. if you look at the bottom of each cylinder, that is EXACTLY where mine failed. only mine went on the right hand side of the engine.

 

The head gasket:

 

the heads:

Those are both ugly pics, verging on obscenity.

Never seen a piston top like this before (very limited experience).

What is that squarish insert like part on the top of the pistons?

Thanks guys, that's what I thought, but I wasn't sure if the damaged piece was from removing the head or if it was the blown gasket.

 

NorthGuy, I guess I should have put 'viewer discretion advised' in the topic :D

 

Frag, I am guessing that the recess in the piston is either for valve clearance, or to create a better 'quench (sp?) area' to improve flame travel over the piston and inside the combustion chamber.

 

Rob.

That's your typical '97-98 EJ25 DOHC piston style. They changed before and after that.

 

(And, yup...that's a blown head gasket. See 'em every darn day)

 

 

Emily

http://www.ccrengines.com