Hi.

Not positive this is the right area to post this question but any help would be appreciated.

1989 Civic LX fuel-injection with virtually no past problems suddenly(?) and quickly began to overheat. Radiator went bone dry from leaking hose(?) and while on the freeway the temp gauge reached full red hot, steam rose from underneath the hood and acceleration started to fail. Pulled over, let cool down added some water to radiator. Made it to a gas station, added more water and coolant. Waited a bit and car seemed to drive fine for a little while but then started to buck/choke and then stall. Waited a bit, tried again, would drive ok but then acceleration would fail and car would stall - meanwhile, the temp went down to a normal level and stayed there.

So...did I blow the head gaskets? A reputable Honda repair place is charging $150 for a full testing but asking to replace the hose for $90 first in order to complete the testing (they are only charging $75 of the $150 at this point). Therefore, it will cost $250-$300 to know for sure if the head gasket is blown. Bottom line, if the head gasket is blown ($1200-$1600 repair), which seems almost certain, it seems a waste to spend more than the already accrued $75. But if it seems it could be something else, less serious and expensive, any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Only 140,000 on a 19 year old car that was mostly running great but spending $1000-$2000 isn't worth it to me. Thanks in advance!

 

I'd get the tests done. When the car went into total overheat (steam) a number of things could have possibly failed/warped. I'd try an independent Honda shop too, dealers are....well, dealers.

 

Thanks for the insight. You might be right to do the tests - still considering. Yes, this shop is independent, well-reviewed. They work on Honda's only. Thanks again!

 

It sure does sound like a blown gasket. I don't think you need a diagnostic. 1200 to 1900 dollars repair seems excessive. I had my engine rebuilt with a new clutch and motor mount plus labor for less.

 

Here are some sure signs that the head gasket is blown:

-There is white or blue smoke coming from the exhaust.

-There is coolant/water in the engine oil and/or oil in the coolant.

You may save yourself the diagnosis fee by doing these simple checks. You should also be able to replace the leaking coolant hose yourself for much less that $90.

 

Driving until the engine quits because of overheating almost always means the whole engine is toast.

There is a chance that just replacing the head gasket will fix it, but the only way to know that is to replace the gasket and see if it fixes it. A rather expensive gamble with money that could be put toward a new engine or a new car.

 

a compression test can tell you if you have blown head gasket or not