I have a 97 HX with 290,000 miles, I suspecting the headgasket isbad. I'm loosing coolant along with some rough idle for a few seconds at start up in the morning. I'm wondering if I should have the gasket replaced or just get another motor. I need to know what motor would be easy to pass Cal emission(CARB). I hate to dump money to replace the head gasket on a high mileage motor.

 

In my experience, head gaskets just blow. It's not a gradual thing. I would say it's something else.

 

sounds like the head gasket, but if you want to get a newer motor any of the D's are good

 

If I do swap in a different motor, do I need to change the ecu and wire harness?

 

Pull off the radiator cap when it's safe to do so. If you see a milky looking substance inside, chances are you've got a blown head gasket.

 

If you see that milky coolant in the radiator, or see excess spray on the engine its prob the head gasket. If you can do it yourself you can get the gasket for about $30 bucks. If not, the repair shop will charge you out the butt to fix it. My girl blew the gasket on her prelude and I just bought a new engine bc hers was at about 250k miles. ANd if you get the exact same motor you shouldnt need to replace the ECU.