Engine - Head Gasket/Engine Block Change

SOURCE: Kia Technician Times

TITLE: Headgasket Change

APPLIES TO: Sephia
Spectra

SERVICE TIP:

From May 18, 2000, the engine block and head gasket were changed for improved cooling system performance. Because of a difference in coolant passages between old and new, gaskets are not interchangeable. When performing repairs on an old style block, continue to use the old style gasket. When working on a vehicle built after the block change, or when the block in an older vehicle is being replaced with the new style block (the old block is no longer manufactured) make sure that only the new gasket is used.






The gaskets can be identified by the number and shape of the coolant passages; On the intake side, the old gasket had 13 coolant passages, the new gasket 8. On the exhaust side, the old gasket had small circular passages, the new gasket has enlarged elliptical passages. (See photo)