Head Gaskets

[Don12]

I have a 94 Gen 1 with 8785 miles. I do not run the hell out of it. All I ever hear about is how the head gaskets go. What is the about mileage I can expect before I have to replace mine. I know there is no set mileage, but like I said, I don't run it hard. Thanks.

[daytonprowler]

It depends if the coolant has been changed regularly. I've got 32,000 on my '93, no weeping yet, but I change mine every couple of years.

When are you going to join the VOA?

[Don12]

Randall, Thanks for the reply. I will be joining the first of the year. That's a promise. Send me an email as to which area of Dayton you live. I am originally from there and still have a lot of family there. I will probably drive my Viper over there several times this year. Thanks, Don.

[Dajerseyviper]

It depends if the coolant has been changed regularly. I've got 32,000 on my '93, no weeping yet, but I change mine every couple of years.

When are you going to join the VOA?

You change your headgasket every couple of years? Or your coolant?

[Rand1993]

Don

My 93 has 25,000 on it. Never been driven hard. The original head gaskets seem fine so far.

[ront/10]

My '94 started leaking at 12k. Just do them for peace of mind.

[Tom, F&L GoR]

I had a 94 and when I bought it in 98 immediately changed to a long life coolant. Green coolant contains a silicate additive that immediately covers the metal surface to prevent corrosion. While that sounds good, it means the ability to provide protection is immediately and fully depleted. After a few years this layer comes off and leaves the metal unprotected. Worse, the silicate is abrasive and wears the water pump seals.

Long life coolant is all or nearly silicate free depending on which version you get. The additive technology stays in solution until needed, so the protection lasts longer - minimum 5 years and some brands are lifetime. I didn't change the coolant for 65K miles until I had to remove a head to replace a lifter. My OEM gaskets were fine, still have them on the wall. I suspect that original owners drove their cars so few miles that they assumed they didn't have to change the coolant until the mileage was reached, and didn't pay attention to the 3 year time limit. The single layer gasket would then rust and leak.

Make it a winter project. The 8700 miles does not mean you have time left.

[daytonprowler]

It depends if the coolant has been changed regularly. I've got 32,000 on my '93, no weeping yet, but I change mine every couple of years.

When are you going to join the VOA?

You change your headgasket every couple of years? Or your coolant?

The coolant.

I've already got the head gaskets to do the replacement sometime, probably this spring.

[Dajerseyviper]

The coolant.

I've already got the head gaskets to do the replacement sometime, probably this spring.

Gotcha..I switched over to Evans waterless coolant. It does not corrode anything and runs with ZERO pressure because it never hits close to its boiling point. The head gaskets were a major issue in the Gen 1 vipers right? Werent they made of crappy material?

[daytonprowler]

Gotcha..I switched over to Evans waterless coolant. It does not corrode anything and runs with ZERO pressure because it never hits close to its boiling point. The head gaskets were a major issue in the Gen 1 vipers right? Werent they made of crappy material?

LOL Yes the head gaskets are a major issue with the Gen1. It's not if, but when they will need replaced. The original gaskets were a paper material I think. I've kept my coolant changed and drive the car so that plays a factor. I've heard of people running them 70,000 on the original gaskets, but the 30,000 mile range is usually the time to change. If the car has been setting for long periods of time, probably need to change them sooner. I think I heard about the Evans waterless coolant from Sybil.

[RedTanRT/10]

At about 5 1/2 years and 10K miles. Coolant had been replaced at three year mark.

In the good old days that leaking head gasket got me an Arrow rebuild and about 25 more RWHP.

[Dajerseyviper]

LOL Yes the head gaskets are a major issue with the Gen1. It's not if, but when they will need replaced. The original gaskets were a paper material I think. I've kept my coolant changed and drive the car so that plays a factor. I've heard of people running them 70,000 on the original gaskets, but the 30,000 mile range is usually the time to change. If the car has been setting for long periods of time, probably need to change them sooner. I think I heard about the Evans waterless coolant from Sybil.

I decided to go with Evans NPG after seeing how corroded my OEM radiator was.It was so clogged they had to replace the core,and I went with a larger 3 core radiator. The Evans is very expensive, about $35-40 a gallon and you need about 4-5 gallons plus 2-3 gallons of the prep fluid they use. But you will literally never have to change your coolant ever again..It doe not corrode and runs with ZERO pressure, you can literally open your cap safely at full temp. Amazing stuff really..

[Ohiotj]

12000 miles for my 93.