Head gasket problem

MAZDA 626
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DKRISH
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I have a 2001 Mazda 626 V6/LX 75500 miles. The car overheated and smoked. I took it to the garage shop and their opinion is that the head gasket is blown, but the head is not cracked.

They have given me an estimate of USD 3000 to include replacing the head gasket, putting in machine heads, new pistons, and spark plugs.

I want to know why is it necessary to put in new pistons if the only problem is a blown head gasket without a crack in the engine head. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Nov 4, 2007 at 6:02 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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I with you on that one, I would replace the pistons either. For that matter if I was spending $3000, I'd go a little more and get a remanufactured motor.

Have a shop pull the head and send it out for evaluation and maching it flat. There is a chemical test that can be done to check for a headgasket problem. The chemical is added to the cooling system and changes color if the chemical detects exhaust gaskets.
Nov 4, 2007 at 7:09 PM