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christosM
New User
Mar 2, 2009, 1:18 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1347 views)
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BLown Head Gasket
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Hello,
I have a Plymouth Breeze 1998 -4cylinder 2.6L I bought this car 2 years ago and it now has only 85000 km on it.
It always had oil leaks but all the mechanics I took it to said it's most likely a small leak from the head gasket and it would be too pricey to fix so just add oil occasionally and you'll be fine.
For a few days I noticed that my heater wasn't working; it was blowing in cold air (which is harsh since I live in Montreal where it is -30) I assumed it was just a bad radiator and that I would fix it soon.
Now, my car doesn't start (turn over) and the check engine light comes on. I towed it to a mechanic and he checked the oil and it had a white milky film on the cap. Also, he opened up the radiator cap and it looked like mustard inside. He said it would be too much work (time consuming) for him to fix. However he told me that it's a blown head gasket.
He said that everything could get fixed and I shouldn't worry (it's just that he won't do it). He said that I would need to flush everything (3X ?) and just change the head gasket. It would probably cost about 1000-1500$.
My question is. I dont mind spending the money for that, since I've already put a lot of money into the car and buying another 2nd hand car will leave me with many unknowns. So, is that all there is to it? Or should I expect any surprises when he takes the engine apart? I didn't have any engine problems before this.
Also, since the car doesn't start, will it be more difficult to diagnose and/or repair?
My other option I was told is just to get a used (rebuilt) engine.....flush everything and that I would be good to go. Good idea?
I appreciate your responses. I'm not that good with cars but unfortunately you learn a lot when they are in the shop.
Thanks,
Chris
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 2, 2009, 1:27 PM
Post #2 of 4
(1345 views)
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Re: BLown Head Gasket
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If there was hard engine damage caused by the head gasket then consider a new or used engine but otherwise if this didn't cause serious issues with the engine overall I'd keep the one you know. That's faily low kms for the age of the car and a head gasket isn't really that uncommon. If left untended to it might have caused more harm.
I'm a bit worried why it doesn't "turn over" or do you mean it cranks but just isn't starting? If it lost lubrication from the oil AND severly overheated it could have ruined that engine??
They are pricey to do the right job and that quote seems in line to me for a professional job. Should be known up front that the engine is ok for this work first though,
T
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christosM
New User
Mar 2, 2009, 1:55 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1342 views)
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Re: BLown Head Gasket
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Tom,
Thanks for the quick reply. The engine cranks but isn't starting. The car never over-heated . The check engine light came on so, I quickly drove it back home(one block away) and had it towed to the mechanic. He actually got it started and I drove it back home(2 blocks) and that was it....it won't start now.
Does this mean anything to you? I'm afraid to try to start it now incase it causes any (more) damage.
Thanks.
Chris
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 2, 2009, 2:14 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1335 views)
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Re: BLown Head Gasket
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I'm not sure why it doesn't start right now after it just ran the two blocks as you said. What concerns me now since you said it didn't severely overheat is that the oil was messed up enough to cause low oil pressure or worse NO oil pressure and if run like that for a mile would do severe damage and could render an engine beyond repair.
I'd have the oil changed now and whatever is preventing it from at least running even if poorly just to diagnose more about the engine while intact. Just a head gasket job is NOT tearing the whole engine apart and knowing if there's accelerated damage to perhaps main bearing and more from lack of oil.
There's a difference in warnings - the "Check Engine Light" usually amber color means the car's computer has a code stored with information to be read. If usually RED warning lights were on - specifically warning of oil pressure and the car was driven even a few miles there's real concern about what might have happened in even that short time.
This is very hard to make more that guesses without seeing it in person and getting some pro advice on the overall condition now. Can't say as it might have been just fine and literally a couple miles without oil pressure is a disaster.
So it needs some further diagnosing other than just needing the head gasket and go from there,
T
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