Mazda Repair: Engine problem-mazda 1999, valve stem seals, competent mechanic

Question
Hi John,

I ovn a mazda 323 Lx 1999. The problem I have is that the Temperature gauge is alway at about the half way mark and at times it goes over it. I shut down the car when this happens and wait till it cools down. Also I seem to be having a problem with the engine oil. I had changed it about a month ago and it doesn't seem to leak from anywhere as well, but its level is at about 2/3rd the full level. Can u help.

Answer
I suspect that it may need a head gasket as this would cause a mysterious loss of oil as well as a mysterious temp spike. It needs to have a compression test done and a coolant system contamination test done. Not at all major and should be a minimal expense as it should only take a competent mechanic 30 minutes to do both.
Once a source of the problem has been determined it may turn out to be a combination of two unrelated things such as a dying cooling fan and leaking valve stem seals, but the head gasket is the main worry. So have someone look at it and hope for something cheap and simple to be identified as the problem. This is not something that can be ignored for any length of time as it could cause major damage if it is a head gasket.

Regards,

John