I have been problems with nasty radiator fluid for some time. Gets pretty nasty if I leave it and have been losing coolant, slowly at first, say six months ago, and alot quicker here recently. Have just been flushing it on fairly constant basis. I have also noticed loss of power over time but simply attributed it to the car getting old. Since the coolant loss has gotten so bad lately started paying more attention and have decided I have a blown the head gasket. Noticed a little bit of coolant on my dipstick yesterday so I drove it to my mechanic's house so he could work on it. My question is to how much $$$ should I be expecting and what will the affects be afterwards? Also he suggested I might as well do both gaskets while he has it apart,(no extra charge), does this make sense? I know I am looking at some serious dough but I just wanted to find out other people's experiences. Also if I actually have a cracked head how much additional cost will that be? Just got my timing belt and water pump done at 120K, I now have 145, should I go ahead and do the belt again just to avoid the labor? Is there anything else I should do while we have it apart to avoid later costs? Thanks

 

If your headgaskets are truelly blown the repair bill will be around $900 at least. This is assuming you don't have any damage to the heads or valvetrain (like bent valves, scared pistons). I'm curious how did your headgasket blow, did the car overheat? Our engines are pretty strong however high heat kills them quickly (over 245*F). Your mechanic should do a compression test to make sure the pistons are good, if they are not. Then expect to have to rebuild the engine, however I would suggest buying another VG30E. They are plentiful and cost around $300-800 depending on miles. The labor would be the same either. Which ever choice you go with besure to replace the Timing belt, T-belt tensioner, cam/crankshaft oil seals, rear main oil seal (assuming engine swap).

 

All true. But for $900, I would try to get a good quality used motor to swap out. Probably cheaper?

 

Not sure exactly what caused the headgasket to go. It did overheat once several years ago to the point where the temp light came on. I have been losing coolant for some time, several years, so there have been times when I noticed it running hotter, but I never let it get bad. Any suggestions on where I might want to look for a used engine? My mechanic is a friend so he is going to charge me half labor costs, hopefully that will cut my costs. Is it better to get a used engine then to completely rebuild my old one?

 

Rebuilding your old one will cost a few $1,000. I would either get the old one fixed(new headgaskets/t-belt and associated parts) or try to get a used engine. But the old w/ new parts would probably be in better condition in the end. (provided your bottom end is in good condition)

There are places that sell used engines from Japan. Do a general search on the net and you will come up w/ many sources.

 

There's a temp light in the dash?!?