1990 Civic - head gasket gone?

**mbdownunder** · 10-07-2008 08:05 AM

Hi everyone. So I was on my way to work this morning when the engine suddenly died and wouldn't start. I was able to coast into the Sunnybank Plaza carpark (for those of you who know where that is). I'm pretty sure the head gasket is gone because the oil definitely seems watery on the dipstick and under the fill cap. A couple questions:

What is a reasonable price to fix the head gasket and change the timing belt (it's due for it)?

Is there anything else that should be done at the same time? Maybe the water pump?

I'll probably be getting the work done at the Kmart auto place. Definitely not my first choice, but it's either that or pay for it to be towed somewhere else.

Any suggestions or expertise would be very appreciated!

Mark

**fatboyz39** · 10-07-2008 08:40 AM

Sounds like headgasket. Since its in the process, change timing belt, tensioner, water pump and front main seal.

Pm barefootbonazi, he might be able to help out a fellow queenlander.

**ralph_ef9** · 10-07-2008 07:13 PM

when u finish the head job do a pressure test to ur cooling system,
last time it happen to me, after the pressure test, i found the pressure drop becouse my raditor leaks, and heater core leaks.
because, there must be a rason make ur engine over heat!
also, check ur fan is working or not, and themostart.

**mbdownunder** · 11-07-2008 08:14 AM

Well the funny thing is it never overheated. The temp gauge has never been above half way. Kmart quoted $1,300 to $2,000 depending on the condition of the head. That's to do everything fotboyz39 suggested. I sent a PM to teh_mechanic because I know he does repairs in Brisbane. So far no reply. Does Kmart's price sound reasonable?

Mark

**shadou** · 11-07-2008 08:25 AM

oh bad luck, I wouldn't trust k-mart mechs with more than a wheel rotations, I've seen some pretty butchered jobs from k-mart auto in the past..

**aaronng** · 11-07-2008 08:33 AM

I wouldn't trust Kmart or Ultratune with a job of this type. I'd rather trust an experienced no-name workshop.

**teh_mechanic** · 11-07-2008 01:32 PM

pm sent

**panda[cRx]** · 11-07-2008 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by aaronng

I wouldn't trust Kmart or Ultratune with a job of this type. I'd rather trust an experienced no-name workshop.

x2

wouldn't even trust em for straight book service, let alone major repairs

**mbdownunder** · 26-07-2008 10:31 PM

UPDATE:

I have to give a huge thank you to Brendan (aka teh_mechanic). He did tons of work on the car for a great price. Top quality work too. I got the car back this afternoon and it runs beautifully. If you live in the Brisbane/Logan area I HIGHLY recommend Brendan for any mechanical work.

So glad I didn't let Kmart touch it!

I'll hopefully meet more of you at one of the next gatherings.

Mark