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Mazda 323 - 2002 - 107k mls - manual - When travelling up hill on a motorway I lost power gradually but quickly then lost all water as I came to a stop. When mechanic arrived he said the radiator had completely corroded and I had no compression in engine and it was scrap. When I got the car home we tested two cylinders and the compression test didn't go over 4. Do I scrap this car or spend money to fix it, and what exactly happened to the engine.
Optional Information: Make: Mazda Model: 323 Year: 2002
Good morning and welcome to JA.It sounds like you overheated the engine and warped the cylinder head.The labor time to replace the head gasket is about 5 hours plus the time for the machine shop to shave the head.The gasket set is about $250.The radiator is about $150 and takes about 1 hour to change.Given all that if you repair the car you should be around $1000.If you think your car is worth that then have it repaired.Please let me know if you need more assistance,Don
Thank you Don, I appreciate your help and expertise. I don't think the car is worth much more than that on the second hand market when fully working. I am still undecided in which direction to go. The car is used by my wife and children. It has been a great little car, but maybe I should put a little bit more in the pot and get something younger and fitter. Mick
Given the year of the car 10 years is along time in car years.Once things start going out more usually follows.Good luck with your search for a replacement,Don
Experience: 40 Years reparing all types of vechiles