Should I replace Head Gasket?

[williambrea]

I am replacing my cam, lifters and timing chain and I was going to go ahead and change the head-gasket as well while I was under there but i am having second thoughts now. I have never overheated my car and have never came close while I have owned the car. I know the gasket is not blown at the moment and am not sure if I should replace it or leave it alone and wait till something goes wrong.
The car has 214k miles on the odometer right now and i am not sure if it still even has the stock head gasket in the car. Is there a way to check if there is a composite/tin gasket without removing the heads. Not having to do this would save me some money that would be going to new steering components and protection(sliders, rear bumper). What should I do?

-William

[p76rangie]

If the head gasket is OK, leave it. Replacing it can cause more issues than what it solves. If it is a 91, it should have a composite gasket.

[williambrea]

Originally Posted by p76rangie

If the head gasket is OK, leave it. Replacing it can cause more issues than what it solves. If it is a 91, it should have a composite gasket.

That is amazing news, how long do the composite gaskets usually last? I know it varies but general figure if the car was never overheated.

[williambrea]

anybody else?

[Kevin88RRC]

If it ain't broke leave.
Have you done a compression check?

[p76rangie]

Originally Posted by williambrea

That is amazing news, how long do the composite gaskets usually last? I know it varies but general figure if the car was never overheated.

It should last the life of the motor.