I have a 93 Viper being shipped to my house. With all the research I have been doing, it seems a major problem forthe earlier vipers are the head gaskets? Supposedly the head gaskets have been changed on this one, is there and easy way to check? and can someone please explain the gasket problem in general? what problems could occur if it hasnt been changed.
Might want to do a few searches on head gaskets here and on the other board. The information has been discussed a lot recently including pictures posted.
i have been doing research, thats how i ended up asking about the head gaskets. I saw the post that shows the pictures of the 2 head gaskets. just looking for more info
OK, here's the scoop. The original gaskets are some crappy material, almost looks brown or greenish looking. I think they used them through 96. Some have them fail, some do not but it appears they will fail on most some day. Some retorque the bolts to prolong it. The new gaskets are a 3 layer metal and other material design, they look black. You also have a crossover housing for coolant back at the thermostat. There are 3 or 4 gaskets there and they leak.
The new gasket kit which includes all gaskets is $950 list and Chuck Tator will set you up with 20% off and no tax/shipping. My suggestion is to go ahead, bite the bullet, and replace them. Peace of mind you won't have an internal failure and ruin your engine. That is why I'm starting mine in a few days.
thanks for the info, I will definetly consider having this done soon. Im not quite the mechanic, im sure pulling the heads off to get to the gaskets is not the easiest thing in the world?
Where are you located? I've never done this and I'm doing it next week. I've got a friend 30 minutes away who just did it. We can share tips. Not a big deal, take your time, call Chuck Tator for parts and tips. Should also do thermostat and valve seals depending on miles.
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