What happens if I don't replace it right away? I have a very small leak, I get a few seconds of rough start and a tiny bit of white smoke at start up, but then it stops. If I wait till spring to replace the gasket, what do you think will happen?

Thanks!

 

it can blow leading to other, bigger problems

 

Well oil getting in there will make it slushy and making your car bog.

Water getting in there puts strain on your engine due to the fact that water does not compress.

In time your engine will give up and you'll be looking at a swap instead of a Headgasket replacement.

when/if you fix the motor, are you looking to have any performence work done to her or are you looking to just get her running?

If it's just to get her back to stock, i would just buy a new motor and drop it in.

 

Just trying to get her running properly, stock. So you would suggest replaceing the whole engine? Where would I get another one, and how would I know it is in good shape? Any good suggestions?

Thanks guys!

 

You would buy a new engine and swap it in, vs. replacing the headgasket? Sorry, but I disagree. While replacing a head gasket can be time consuming, I don't think the trouble would justify the cost of a new engine. Just replace it, it's not that hard.

 

For some reason... i was thinking he was rebuilding it..

nvm what i said.

 

I hope that the rough start and tiny bit of white smoke is not what you're only using to determine the gasket is bad. Any other tests done? Using coolant at all??
I agree with the gasket and not the whole motor, but I would add the timing belt and water pump to the parts list, since it's cheap and you're in there anyway.