Mitsubishi Repair: 1995 eclipse GS 5spd., replacing a head gasket, head gasket leak

Question
hey i got a 95 eclipse GS DOHC and i was told it has a possible head gasket leak. How difficult is it to repair the head gasket on my eclipse? And if it is not my head gasket how could i find out the problem, because i just bought this car and dont know very much about it. and what could happen if it was driven with a bad head gasket but was not leaking any fluids? Thanks!

Answer
Sean,
Replacing a head gasket is quite labor intensive and you should have someone with experience in replacing head gaskets to do this.  Much care must be taken in replacing a head gasket, and most mechanics would recommend other maintenance items be replaced if you had your head gasket replaced.

Though you may not see any fluids leaking, a blown or warped head gasket could cause coolant and/or oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn away.  Over time, not only will this lower your coolant and oil levels, it can effect your emmission system and reduce engine performance.  This can progressively get worse and worse unless the gasket is replaced.
Good luck!