The initial problem was a check engine light after a rough start. Scan said misfire. I think there are many things that can cause a misfire besides a failing head gasket, Like all of the items I replaced. All of those items were due for a cleaning or replacement. I went the more expensive route. Lol I think the only way to check the head gasket is to crack it open and look. I’m fully aware the I could have just bought a used engine that could easily put me back to square one. I’m curious to open up the original for a gander. Lol Will do. 275k deserves a new water pump. I am definitely one to fire the parts on canon for just about anything. I am no mechanic. I am a competent parts replacer at best. I think someone like myself and others wish they had the time expertise to fully and accurately diagnose a problem before going full nut job and buying any and everything new. Most of what I bought could have been cleaned but man I’m not sure if you’ve seen a 275k mile egr valve and cooler but I’m thinking it would have been at least 2 cases of brake cleaner the good stuff the kind you can’t get in California. I also think people enjoy doing something even if it’s not what actually needed to be done. However, all the things I did either needed to be replaced or cleaned. I went for replacement. I guess I was hoping my engine wasn’t going to be the one that needed the head gasket. WAMP. The forum was right though it doesn’t go slowly into that good night. lol.
'Tis true, 'back to square one', as in you now have a second used engine with a pending head gasket failure. That's the part I don't understand about buying yet another used engine. You had the exact same thing a few months ago before the original engine started using coolant.....
