Head gasket life

[towknee]

Hi,
I just bought a 2006.5 Optima 2.4 and was happy to hear they have a timing chain instead of a belt, I do wonder how long the head gasket will last in a engine like this. Anyone have any idea? Thank's Tony

[cmhj2000]

No clue as this head/block combination is rather new for Kia.

[towknee]

What are the head and block made of?

[black06rio]

aluminum block and alumimum head. My mom and dad both have one. Mom got the 5 speed dad got an automatic. Both are great.

[Psychlopath]

Head gaskets shouldnt really have an expected life. There is no reason for them to just give way. They will die if they are installed wrong or there are other problems with the engine, such as pinging.

There are engines that have been running for thousands and thousands of hours with very little work done to them that still have stock gaskets, rings, pistons, etc.

If the head gasket is the only thing you are worried about, youre A-OK.

Soon, you'll start to wonder about the horrible customer support Kia gives, and forget all about the head gasket ..when your gauges die or the car wont start and you want it fixed under warranty and they tell you they cant find a problem.