They dont make them like they use to...

[roost251]

Well after 289,000mi it looks like my head gasket is going out on my 1989 mazda 323. About 20 min after it gets to operating temp it starts to push air into the cooling system, which pops the rad cap and pushes the coolant out the overflow tank. No water in the oil, or oil in thr water and you can smell "exhaust fumes" in the radiator, after it decides to pee.

I need some advice/help on this one. I occasionally have a lifter that taps/knocks a little. It is an intermitent prob that comes and goes and has been doing this for some time now. Anyone know where I could find lifters for my antique 1989 mazda?? Car runs tits so I wanna fix it and keep it as my daily driver(keeps miles off of the sprinter and HD).

Thanks hoons

[britincali]

Buildup of shit blocked the rad either on the outside or inside and cooked the motor.

I would look at breakers yards for a head with cam then get a new gasket, make sure you step up and get a new rad too.