Yesterday I noticed that my car was leaking coolant. I just heard back from my mechanic that (ughh) it's my head gasket. He said that it is 'leaking externally' (I don't really know what that means), and quoted $1,500 -$2,000 (Canadian) to do the repairs. He recommended not doing the repair because my '96 2.2 has 255,000 km (160,000 miles), and he felt that my engine wouldn't last long enough to make it worthwhile.

I'm just looking for a few opinions about what I should do.

How long can I likely drive in this state (it's not leaking too badly, maybe about a 1/2 litre (1 pint) a week)?
Is there any difference between city and highway driving? I usually drive 40km a week in the city and 600km a week on the highway.

Is it worth considering putting a replacement engine into my car? Its body is in very good shape (especially for a Canadian vehicle). How much would this cost?

Should I consider just having the head gasket done? I know I could probably get it a bit cheaper. My car does have other issues though (slight misfire, abs,)

Thanks!

leaking internally and 1/2 liter a week is pretty bad. with the kind of mileage you put on it either get it fixed or lose the car because then it will be sitting in your driveway. may as well sell it while it's running. btw how much do you trust your mechanic? $1500 seems a bit steep for a head gasket job on these engines. if you do decide to repair it i don't see why it wouldn't "last long" especially if you maintain your engine properly. but at the same time you won't get the money you spent to fix it back when you sell it. hmm.. decisions, decisions.

He said it's leaking externally - I assume that's not as bad as internally?

I have two mechanics that I use regularly. This one is definitely more expensive, but he does better work. I other one is very reasonable, and I know he would do it cheaper, but I'm not sure if I'd trust him to so something as major as a head gasker. I usually only take him stuff when I know exactly what I want, and if it's not too complicated.

Where do you live ? I know a few people who will do it for considerably ! cheaper if you are around Ontario (GTA)



My Cav
I give up...
i'm buying a VW those people love trees, so they should love eachother too... "Andy"

I live in Kingston, but drive to the GTA (Mississauga) every weekend. If you think my car would make it, then I could bring it there.

I've been referred to another place here, so I'll probably get a quote from them too.

How's the oil consumption, compression, and miles per gallon? If all these are in line, then I'd go with a gasket job. I've a well maintained '96 2.2 with 187K+ miles on it. Running strong, and good on fuel. It is possible for them to last a while, you just have to keep up regular maintenance.

I have no idea the impact since the gasket started leaking, but before the leak, oil consumption was good (rarely need to add any when having oil changed on schedule), I was happy with fuel consumption (13litres/km which is about 37 miles/gallon - mostly highway). Compression?

Other things to consider:
The bad:
I do have some engine noise (knock/tick), and occasional misfire. ABS light is on often (hopefully sensors), suspension is getting loose, horn doesn't work (it's the connection in the steering wheel, so I'd need to remove the airbag to fix),

The good:
Car has always been serviced on schedule. Body is very good - rust treated annually until a couple of years ago. Newer tires & rear brakes, and I replaced my timing chain and alternator a couple of years ago.

Sounds good, for the most part. What you need to know is what your (piston/cylinder) compression readings are. If they aren't at least 130-140 psi, then that'll sound the death knell for your ride; not worth the expense to repair it. My readings, when new, were averaging 170 psi.

If you come up with good numbers, then you should get the head gasket done, replace the plug wires and/or coil packs (if not done already), brake lines flushed & sensor(s) addressed, and the suspension checked out (OE struts are long past due!). The horn may be rusted at the other end; you won't hear a tick (horn relay) if this is true. Try some Seafoam in the crankcase and run it a couple of days to try and quiet the ticking. Then, change the oil & filter, letting the oil drain well. All this is not nickle-and-dimeing you, these are either wear items, or stupid GM engineering that miraculously lasted this long! Good Luck!

Some may nay-say my advice. I'm no pro, but do have decent experience. My 'ride hasn't made it this far on luck alone. (Well, it HAS helped! LOL)

Thanks for the input. I've decided to go ahead and get it done. Looks like it'll probably top out around $900-1000. Labour is $550 + Kit $200 + Resurfacing + tax. It's not necessarily the kind of money you want to put into a cheap, high-milage car, but it's better than coming up with the cash to buy a replacement.

I gambled and lucked out on opting not to resurface. I was told that as long as it never lingered at the high end for long, I'd be ok. My cooling fan always got the temp down quickly, when it got hot enough.