Mazda Protege Coolant Leakage Problem

Hi,
I have a Protege DX . Mechanic was complaining that there is no room to work as the car design is too compact to work on. Everyday I see a decrease in the coolant level. . He is suspecting now that, it can be the engine gasket, which is having a leak. If so it is going to cost me a hell, more than $900!!! Any Idea or suggestion on problem or remedy? If that is the case wher does the coolant go? Thanks in advance! If there is absolutely no leak to the outside of the motor, then the problem is most likely the head gasket, like your mechanic mentioned. The point of this gasket is not only to maintain compression while the motor is running, but to allow a water-proof passage of coolant to flow from the motor to the head, and back again. If this seal corrodes (as it does over the years), the water tight passage of coolant begins to leak into the combustion chamber, where it is burned along with the gasoline. If you notice white smoke from your exhaust pipe while the car is running (especially the first time you start it in the morning), this is a foolproof indication of cooland being burned.

Hope this helps,
Aaron Thanks Aaron for the reply.

Is it going to create any major problem? How much will it cost me to repair? Thanks again!! I wouldnt say there will be any severe damage immediately, but over time there will most likely be significant damage if it starts burning enough water - remember, gas fumes are compressable, water is not. If you pass enough water into the combustion chambers you run the risk of hydro-locking the motor. Better to get it fixed sooner rather that later. Cost wise, I have no idea, sorry, im sure someone else on this forum can give you an idea.

Aaron Thanks again to Aaron!

Has any body tried

http://www.steelseal.com/eng/howitworks.html

Is there anything like steelseal which really works? Thanks guys! I've seen products like these and I've used them on customer cars by request, but they have some problems. Basically, you pour the product into your radiator and it's supposed to seal the head gasket. However, it winds up sealing everything else on the way as well. When it sets, it basically becomes cement, so if you ever need to remove or replace any other part of the cooling system for any reason, the head, the water pump, etc, it'll be almost impossible. If you think you might get rid of the car soon, its a cheap easy fix, but if its a car that you're expecting to keep for another 5-10 years I wouldnt recommend it.

Though if you want to piss off a mechanic you dont like down the line...
no, thats a bad idea lol.

This is just what I've heard and experienced, im sure others here have other opinions on these products.

Hope this helps,
Aaron