Blown Head Gasket... what now?

• SimBer on 30/10/2014 - 20:27 Comment score below threshold.
  • 

    CryssieJade on 30/10/2014 - 21:08

    +13

    Are you actually for real? I can't believe you would suggest something so dishonest… I would never, EVER trick someone into buying a busted car!!

    Clearly I'll never be cut out to be a used car salesman.

    Advice wanted only from people with INTEGRITY, thanks.

    • 

      SimBer on 30/10/2014 - 21:16

      -5

      Wow get off your high horse. I did not imply that you are tricking anybody - what do you think 'as-is' means. (Did I say not to disclose that you have repaired a blown head gasket)..

      Also even if you don't want to sell it, this method is a pretty good way of squeezing some extra life out of your car before you end up scrapping it.

      • 

        StewBalls on 01/11/2014 - 09:48

        +2

        If this does work, I would look at selling the car 'as-is' to someone, and not making it your problem anymore.

        Agreed. This does not imply dishonesty, as-is generally means full disclosure. However, one advantage is that making it drivable does at least allow the purchaser to drive the car home after buying it pending repair, which can be a big bonus.

        Amazing how a lot of self-righteous OzBers are happy to assume the worst of people…

      • 

        CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 10:29

        -3

        @StewBalls:

        I read this on a website only an hour before that post cropped up here:

        'Some desperate sellers try to disguise their problem by adding the “AS-IS” clause to their sale. They try temporary or quick fixes to the problem by adding “block seal” or “head gasket repair solution” to the cooling system. Afterwards, they try to sell their vehicle at a price slightly below “book value” hoping to scheme buyers. Generally, the problem reappears after a few days or weeks leading to catastrophic engine failure. This is not ethical and will destroy your reputation in the community'

        So EXCUSE ME for assuming the worst.

      • 

        StewBalls on 01/11/2014 - 10:38

        +1

        @CryssieJade: So just because some other clueless gits also misinterpreted the colloquial meaning of 'as-is', you think you have the right to carry on like a pork chop…IMHO, that's still no excuse.

        If you didn't know, you can always ask for clarification before going off your trolley like that; you were just plain rude to SimBer, and in point of fact YOU WERE WRONG…at least be grown up enough to admit that.

• 

  subydooby on 30/10/2014 - 21:01

  +1

  Trade it in if you can fool the car yard. Have you thought about fixing it yourself or getting a backyard mechanic to do the work? (Word of mouth is best here). If you are just replacing the head gasket then its not a big job… its only expensive if you do it properly, i.e. machining the head etc… otherwise what about buying another 97 Camry and using your old one for parts? Otherwise sell it on the trading post, gumtree, feebay or put it on the corner with a sign on it (beware of council fines). Good luck.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 30/10/2014 - 21:10

    +1

    Thanks, but I never said I was interested in repairing it. Just need to know the best way to sell the dead body. Cheers for the suggestions, but I can't even afford a trade-in

    • 

      sourdawg on 31/10/2014 - 00:12

      +1

      Call a dozen wreckers,take the one that offers the best deal. Tell them you can drop it off, only after you drop off do you cancel your insurance

• 

  StrawberryCheesecake on 30/10/2014 - 21:10

  +8

  Personally, I don't agree with the suggestion of selling the car "as-is" to another person with a temp fix. That's being dodgy.

  I'm no expert, but my suggestion would be to leave it registered and insured for a few days (won't really cost you much) and post up the vehicle on gum tree. If you have low mileage and the vehicle is is good condition, you might be lucky enough that a mechanic (or someone with a car fixing interest) will swing by and pay you some amount between the $500-$800 mark. As it is a station wagon, mechanics sometimes have an interest in taking it off you as there are tradespeople who will buy it from them. It will costs them parts only (not labour) to fix the issue and re-sell.

  Or, as you stated, sell it for parts.

• 

  craigoss on 30/10/2014 - 22:20

  +2

  If it were mine I'd throw in some Rislone Liquid Copper Block Seal, take out NRMA roadside assist incase you need a tow and drive it into the ground.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 08:02

    What would be better…selling it, wrecking it, or doing this? How long would I get out of the car if I did this? Or, considering $500 insurance that I just paid last week that I can pretty much get it all back, plus 8 months worth of rego if I cancel the plates now. I need to know what's best to do financially so I can start saving for another car, even if it takes a year!!

    • 

      craigoss on 31/10/2014 - 15:15

      +4

      Impossible to say how long it will last. It might work as good as before or it might make no difference at all but for $30 I'd take the risk. I had a leak in my VT (not sure if head or inlet manifold) put in a bottle about a year and a half ago and the car's still going strong, no longer loosing any water.
      After reading your comments further down it seems like the damage is done probably wasting your time and money using the Rislone.

    • 

      pikespeak77 on 31/10/2014 - 21:07

      +5

      I blew the head gasket in my 96 golf, $12 bottle of gasket repair and its still running strong that was almost 10,000km ago.
      As an insurance policy I picked up motor with 90,000km on it from a forum for $50 to put in when it dies.

      • 

        hahaboy on 01/11/2014 - 00:34

        +6

        $50 engines. I want to shop where you shop.

• 

  Cheeper on 30/10/2014 - 23:14

  +4

  First thing I would do is get another mechanic to look at it.
  If it is the V6 version of that model camry there is a fault that they can develop that gives some of the symptoms of a head gasket problem but it is not.
  If it is a head gasket and it is not too far gone then it may be able to be fixed for a bit less than you may have been quoted.

  You can still advertise it and declare it needs work. Many people buy such cars and repair them.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 07:58

    +3

    After a string of increasingly dodgy mechanics, this is the only mechanic I have used for ten years. He's miles ahead of the rest. I won't be taking her anywhere else. She won't make it anywhere anyhow.

    She is the 4cyl model. She's definitely dead. The damage is far too much. Water has been pumping through the engine for almost 2 weeks

    Been quoted $2700, which is about standard for a total failure

    She's only worth $3000

    • 

      WT on 31/10/2014 - 12:15

      +3

      In Sydney it probably wouldn't be worth anything more then 2k if running and rego'd

      options:
      sell it as is cheap advertised as needing new head gasket on gumtree. Ball park price of left over CTP and rego + 300-500. If you have comp just get that refunded when you sell it

      If you don't have any interest in a week or 2, call around wreckers and try and get anything over $200.

      Option 3, call around some wreckers and see if you can get a good 2nd hand engine with warranty. If you go this route it will still need install which is less then 1 days labour. I would also only really consider this if I could view the car it came out of to verify klms, full service history would be a bonus. Engine might only cost $500 and install would be about that as well.

      Note, prices are approx

• 

  shannonn54 on 30/10/2014 - 23:34

  +1

  Invite all your friends to a BBQ light up the car grill steaks on the roof LOL

• 

  Tcm9669 on 31/10/2014 - 08:30

  +2

  I had a similar case. In my case it was a clutch in a Mondeo. Cost me $3200 (bloody european cars) to fix plus $400 for new brakes pads and discs), car ran fine for another 3 months and then started leaking oil. The mechanic told me pretty much, it's such a big job that I don't even know how to quote you!

  In my opinion and experience, if there are repairs more than $500 on an old car… DON'T do it. It is simple.

  After 3 months I traded the car in for $500. I paid/lost $3000 just to drive the car for another 3 months!

  Therefore, you have a few options here:
  1. Gumtree - Sell for someone interested. Be honest with the condition of the car
  2. Gumtree / eBay - Sell parts if you can be stuffed playing around with it
  3. Try to trade in, but with the current condition I can say you won't get much more than $250 (and probably they would want rego with that)
  4. Cancel your insurance, cancel your rego and return the plates (get refunded as much as you can) - Take out any valuables (such as maybe new stereo, subwoofer or whatever else you installed aftermarket with an ounce of value), call someone to come and tow it as scrap metal. Some companies might give you a few bucks for it.. other might not.

  Start saving for a new car ASAP.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 08:49

    +2

    Yep, just what I was thinking. Cheers :)

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 01/11/2014 - 14:18

    Mondeo oh god I hate that car. PS anyone need a part? got it sitting around unregistered with water pump leak I'm not going to fix. '97 GLX Auto Hatchback

• 

  r2160 on 31/10/2014 - 08:35

  +6

  $2700 wow. considering it is under $100 to have the head faced and under $100 for the head gasket that is astonishing.
  I just rebuilt an entire engine for under $2400.
  Mechanics must seem to think its OK to rape us these days. Thats why I do my own work …
  You would be surprised what you can accomplish if you read and just have a go!

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 08:52

    I really wish I could fix this myself. Honestly, I do. I would love to help my mum out (it's her car - the only family car we have), but I can't. All I can do is help her save for another one.

    I would be so tempted to pay the money to fix it, but my Mum, in her infinite wisdom as a parent, is right - it would be more trouble than it's worth. Who knows when the money pit will strike again?

    Buying another one creates a whole new set of issues though. She wants a new one with no issues, but money doesn't grow on trees :p

  • 

    hahaboy on 01/11/2014 - 00:39

    but if it's a cracked block or broken pistons/cams, that is a realistic price right? Obviously labour is still probably why it's cheaper to do it yourself, but it is really just a $200 job in most cases of a "blown head gasket"?

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 01/11/2014 - 05:38

      +2

      In some cases, a blown head gasket equals a cracked head. I recently replaced the head gasket on my car (myself) and the gasket kit cost $90 on eBay including postage from an overseas seller and that included every gasket/seal/sealant required for a top end rebuild. Even included the valve stem seals.

      • 

        hahaboy on 02/11/2014 - 18:40

        what car was it for?

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 03/11/2014 - 07:48

        +1

        @hahaboy: 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS with the 4G64 engine. I bought the car as a fixer so got it cheap. The only sign that it had a bad head gasket was that coolant was being pushed into the radiator overflow bottle when the engine heated, but not being sucked back when cooled.

      • 

        hahaboy on 03/11/2014 - 18:29

        @PhilThis: That's an impressive diagnosis if you were willing to take a gamble on a car and just go by the fact the coolant reservoir had issues. Do you have a bit of experience with cars?

        I have an interest in learning to fix, beyond just basic car maintenance.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 04/11/2014 - 07:53

        +1

        @hahaboy: In all honesty, I didn't know the car had a head gasket issue at the time of purchase as the symptom was not obvious in the time frame I had to inspect the car. I did work in the automotive trade. From my experience, I do not trust anyone when buying a second hand car, there are to many shonks out there. I buy purely on price factoring in the cost of a second hand engine if that may be required. I do all the work myself. I only buy cheaper cars because unless you have something special, you will always lose money on a car.

        I really cant believe some of the advice being given here. Throw away a car because it needs fixing to buy another second hand car that may need fixing?

        I don't know what the OP's car is worth, but if I bought the Camry in question for $500 and spent $600 in parts (reco head and gasket kit), the car would cost me about $1100. And yes, other parts may break in future, its a car, that's what happens.

      • 

        CryssieJade on 04/11/2014 - 09:44

        @PhilThis:

        My car was going to cost $2700 to fix when the Redbook value was $2800. We had spent nearly $2000 in the last 12 months in new parts/brakes/tyres. Spending its value to fix it after spending that much already (not to mention the thousands we spent before that on various things) wasn't worth it for us. We just weren't prepared to sink more money into it. My Camry was reliable as all hell, but every year we had it, we spent $1000-$1500 on repairs to keep it that way.

        It's gone now, anyway. We have started saving for another, much newer one

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 04/11/2014 - 10:00

        @CryssieJade: I truly feel sorry for the situation your in. $2700 to fix does seem excessive. At one time in my life I was doing it tough and I know money doesn't grow on trees. When the time comes to buy your next car, you will be so spoilt for choice. Please research the model you are interested in before buying as there are some real lemons out there.

        Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

      • 

        WT on 04/11/2014 - 12:31

        @PhilThis:

        So are you offering to fix it for her for free if she supplies parts?

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 04/11/2014 - 13:11

        +1

        @wholesaleturbos:
        Her car is already gone, so how can I answer your question fairly?

        I'm not a licenced mechanic nor do I work in a licenced mechanical workshop, so it would be illegal for me to charge to repair mechanical parts on her car anyway.

        Although I did start an apprenticeship as a mechanic, due to other circumstances, I became a licenced (ex)panelbeater and I do fix all my friends and families cars for free when required because I enjoy it. Moneys not everything and I now have a better paying career not involving cars.

      • 

        hahaboy on 11/11/2014 - 17:50

        @PhilThis: great to hear that Phil. Car maintenance does seem like fun work. I've done basic work and i enjoyed it and learn something new most times. At the very least, gain confidence under the car.

  • 

    rigby75 on 01/11/2014 - 07:50

    You would be licky to have the head reconditioned for under $600 and if you pull it apart you should do it probably.

    • 

      r2160 on 03/11/2014 - 09:20

      +1

      I recently helped a friend recondition the head of a late model Ford Falcon.

      To recondition the 6 Cylinder head was $490. The gasket kit was $95. two nights labour for us and the job was done and the car runs like a watch.

      It isnt that hard, as long as you have a manual beside you to follow, and most manuals are now available online.

• 

  timmypete on 31/10/2014 - 09:34

  +2

  Sorry to hear your predicament OP. Something similar happened to me a while ago, and OzB offered a few decent tips in my forum post.

  I ended up cancelling rego/insurance and selling it to a friend for $500, which covered the $550 tow home, but there are other things you can do.

  The first thing I'd do is call a wrecker that specialises in Toyotas specifically or Japanese cars in general. While they probably won't be interested in the whole car if the engine is busted (as was the case for my X-Trail), they were happy to keep my details which they then passed on to a mechanic who was looking for a similar aged model. I'd just sold it when I ended up getting a reasonable offer via this route.

  Also, a scrap sale will probably get you $200-$250 at the most, but you might be able to advertise some of the high value items for as much as this on scumtree (think seats, ECU, stereo if a nonstandard size, anything that breaks regularly on this model) for more than the net reduction in scrap price. Some items won't decrease your scrap sale or trade in value at all (eg. floor mats, roof racks, towbar) and can either be sold or given to friends, while other items might be worth swapping for a crappier version from a friend's/Gumtree customer's car (eg. good condition wheels/tyres, new battery) so that at least they get a minor upgrade.

  Finally, it doesn't sound like you really can afford to get rid of this for free. If I'm wrong on this count, you might consider donating it to a local firefighter or SES unit. They can only train for road rescue by cutting real vehicles apart, and at least you know that the car is being put to a good community use.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 10:24

    +2

    Thanks tplen1, you've been the most helpful so far :) I read your forum link and got some more ideas…going to have a think about our options, make some calls and decide over the next couple days what to do

• 

  Cheeper on 31/10/2014 - 09:34

  +2

  I agree with r2160… $2700 does seem a bit steep.
  Remove head, resurface (if necessary??) replace gasket, flush engine oil and cooling system, all done.
  Get another quote or sell cheap as is.
  97 Camry wagon in running order may not be worth $3k (private sale) unless it is in very good condition.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 10:24

    It WAS in excellent condition :(

• 

  parson on 31/10/2014 - 09:51

  +1

  2nd hand Jap engine import there are plenty of wreckers out there that import get a mate or 2 who with mechanical knowledge to help and you should be out of for at least half price

• 

  CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 12:19

  Update: just came back from the mechanic and we can't even drive it home because the engine will seize.

  Only options now are to call a wrecker to tow it for scrap, or to repair it. Our mechanic has given us the weekend to think about what to do, and is storing it for us till then

  • 

    timmypete on 31/10/2014 - 13:00

    It might still be worth taking this home as it gives you time to extract maximum value from the car.

    If you have NRMA or similar your coverage should include a tow home free provided you are within 20km. Otherwise, consider a trailer or ask the mechanic how much they'd charge to get it back home.

    • 

      CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 13:24

      I don't know how to strip anything from a car. Wish I did, it would probably help!! Mechanic has offered to tow it himself for $150. We are still kind of undecided. It is repairable, but costly. The rest of her is in excellent codition. The price of getting another car and putting it on the road would be enourmous.

      This could be a case of 'better the devil you know', but we will see :)

  • 

    r2160 on 03/11/2014 - 09:22

    I seriously doubt that the engine will seize. The first car I had blew a head gasket. I drove that car for 4 months while I collected enough info to do it myself. The only thing it did (that others have already mentioned here) is that it used to blow water out of the radiator.
    Sounds like the mechanic is trying to scare you into letting them fix it.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 31/10/2014 - 13:47

  Buy another camry and drop a new engine in.

  Not sure how much it will cost, but there may be some cars with bodies in bad condition but a low mileage engine. Not sure what to do with the body after that, not sure if anybody will come around just to take a body off you.

  Alternatively,

  Source for a camry engine and drop it in. Maybe easier and cheaper but harder to source

  These two options will probably cost less than 2k, but is harder to do/source.

  If you want to save your time and cut your losses, which I reccommend (you have not really put money into an aging car, you've just lost a car that MAY be valued at 3k but considering the market, might only get you 2.5k). Just call up wreckers or gumtree enthusiasts to see who will come by to tow your car.

  I think because of your limitations in time, contacts, money and skill. You should avoid going into the negatives in this endeavour. 8 thousand dollars can easily get you a young low mileage albeit smaller car.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 15:12

    And it would take two years for my Mum to save $8000…

    This is why our decision is difficult

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 31/10/2014 - 15:52

      +1

      Gotta think in the long term a little here too and how badly you/your mom would need a car

      How much are you willing to pay to drive a car for how long?

      Let us assume that 3k is the most you are willing to pay 3k for a set of wheels because it seems most of your options for a driveable car involves that sum

      You mentioned your car is worth 3k. Maybe you can buy another one similar to yours but any car below 3k is going to be a risk in itself if you are unsure about its history.

      To get head gasket repaired would be 3k and that would be okay if the head gasket is the ONLY problem with your engine which might make it worth it to repair)

      To put a different engine in would cost you between 1 to 2k (not sure how much your mechanic would charge) and you will again be living with the risks of an engine with an unknown history.

      The same advice I gave a champion professional racer on this forum a couple months ago. If you are looking for a car and a peace of mind, put in as much as you possible can without taking a loan up to $8000 dollars. Anything more than that doesn't give you much more in reliability.

      Could you or your siblings contribute a little to give your mom a gift?

      • 

        CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 17:54

        +1

        Thanks for your suggestions lolbbq :)

        We have thought about pretty much exactly what you said already. The engine is all that is wrong with the car. We have regularly serviced it/new brakes/new tyres/new radiator, etc.

        I'm an only child, and have already given my Mum my life savings to renovate her house. Not much more I can do for her, unfortunately!!

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 31/10/2014 - 18:53

        +2

        @CryssieJade:

        Oh that is a shame.

        Another advice is to not sink in too much money into an old car. Cars aren't valued as a sum of its total parts.

        Which is one reason that I prefer to buy newer cars. Bargain, get an 8K car, use for two years maybe replace one major part <1000. Sell, rinse and repeat. 2-3k for 2 years of driving is okay for me. You never really lose that principal sum of 5-7k

        Once past a certain age you're just crossing your fingers hoping the next repair isn't too much of the car's value. It also makes it harder to sell once you're so emotionally and financially invested in a vehicle.

        Lastly, cars are a money sink. They lose value as fast as they get around. Do your best to make the most of its value.

        If you think the car can last 2 years without costing you anymore then by all means get it repaired =)

        Good luck!

• 

  backpaqer on 31/10/2014 - 14:53

  +2

  This guy got $18,000 for some people to destroy his jeep…

  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1407599953/destroy-my-j…

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 14:27

    This is both horrible and fantastic!!

• 

  Cave Fire on 31/10/2014 - 17:22

  Hi, you can ring around the wreckers or cash for car removal adverts. Describe it and they'll be able to give you a price and pick the up car as well. You could look at selling on Ebay or gumtree, but this will take time. It will also be hard to find a buyer willing to pay much more than the wreckers anyway. This is because the only people interested will be other wreckers or someone able to fix or strip the car. With rego and insurance refunded, you will at least have something towards another car. Perhaps something from an auction or a good private deal.

• 

  ferguscan on 31/10/2014 - 19:17

  +2

  If it's just the gasket, the part is cheap. Buy the gasket, a service manual and a set of sockets and spanners (from an OzBargain deal, natch.). Get the car towed back to your place, and have at it.

  You will learn a lot, and get an enormous sense of satisfaction if you fix it.

  Be aware though: the head might be cracked. In which case, you'll need another one. Still much cheaper than buying/installing a second-hand engine.

  Just my $0.02

  By the way, why did the gasket blow? Did it overheat, and you kept driving?

• 

  CryssieJade on 31/10/2014 - 20:30

  Well, we got the repair quote today and it's actually a busted cylinder head. I really don't know if that's the same thing as a head gasket, as I'm fairly car illiterate.

  Car started shuddering out of nowhere just over a week ago. Took it to our mechanic the next day, he couldn't find an issue, but thought it might be the alternator (the battery light was staying on a little longer than it should too)

  A few days ago (a week after the first signs), she overheated just as I drove her in the driveway. Left it to cool down, filled the radiator with water. Took it to the mechanic the next morning. They did quick compression tests that lasted 5 minutes, which wasn't enough time to detect an issue…because the day after that, she overheated again when we were around the corner from home.

  We let it cool, filled the radiator, drove it to the mechanic and left it for an overnight compression test. Yesterday morning we got the call of doom :(

  This kind of happened out of nowhere. What was interesting was going to inspect the car today. The mechanic turned the ignition and green coolant exploded out of the engine, Exorcist style. Happy Halloween to me :/

• 

  bigticket on 31/10/2014 - 20:48

  +1

  Selling the car to wreckers or anyone else is getting you peanuts. Want to make the most of car and the new parts mentioned? If you are prepared to put effort and time wreck the yourself. Old cars are cheap, but parts are expensive.

• 

  hahaboy on 01/11/2014 - 00:40

  Post up what action you end up taking OP? Good to know so others who find themselves in similar situations in the future can weight it up too.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 08:33

    Will do :)

    We still have until Monday to make a decision. Funny how an object can cause stress!!

    We only have two options, based on both our knowhow (or lack thereof), and the fact that the car is completely undriveable.

    1. Get a wrecker to tow it out of the Mechanic's shed

    2. Fix it

• 

  mrmarkau67 on 01/11/2014 - 09:19

  +1

  The mechanic failed to diagnose the problem twice, and THEN it blew up. You did the right thing in trading it in early… Twice. He failed.

  And now he is offering you an ultimatum! I think he owes you a free tow home. Or at least more time to think and research.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 09:26

    He has given us three days to think. He hasn't given an ultimatum, but he has presented us with every option we have, with some pros and con's. He actually said straight up its not economical to repair. But if we do repair it, we will get years of life from it still. He is being honest with us, it just sucks.

    He knows how much we love our car, which is why he's giving us every option. No matter how hard it is to hear

• 

  Randxyz123 on 01/11/2014 - 13:15

  I wouldn't fix it personally but it doesn't sound like you are in a financial position to buy a new car…

  Do you NEED the car/a car to get to work etc?

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 13:59

    +1

    Not really. I've only ever driven to work when it's pouring rain. I catch a bus/train/tram/boat/plane to work 99% of the time

    However, it's my Mum's car, I share it with her. Considering she's only had a license the past 20 years (when I was a kid we used to catch public transport everywhere), I think she sees this as stepping backwards, and its stressing her out. It is what it is though.

• 

  AMLagonda on 01/11/2014 - 13:34

  +1

  97 Camry… dont listen to people saying to fix it, its not worth it as believe me something else will go wrong with it.

  Just put it on gumtree and sell it.

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 13:58

    My only options are to wreck it or fix it. I can't even drive it out of the mechanic's shed to list it on Gumtree. But you are right, its not worth it.

    I was only entertaining the idea because I have enough to fix it, but not enough for another car.

• 

  dbadcock on 01/11/2014 - 15:04

  Buy a bottle of this to fix it. That would be what I would do, it's a relatively cheap fix - not gaurenteed, and yes, it is a dodgy fix.

  http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Rislo…

  • 

    Azn310 on 01/11/2014 - 17:39

    This is to use as soon as you find out theres a leak in the engine. For OP current situation it would be a hit or miss. Because if this stuff passes through the crack and enters engine, engine will die. It is the same stuff that was used to kill engines.

    $72 for a bottle… It is just sodium silicate (liquid glass) that you can get for a few bucks.. Slap on a label Head gasket fix and suddenly its 10 times the price

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  Azn310 on 01/11/2014 - 17:34

  +2

  Man.. Correct me if i'm wrong but theres just something about your mechanic that bugs me.. Toyotas of that age are the best they ever made.. Those camrys are capable of going up to 300-400k km and more.. The main reason for a blown head gasket AFAIK is if it has been driven in overheat condition. If you dont use the vehicle at the tracks, and all service was done correctly (especially coolant), head gasket rarely blow, IMHO. Mechanics has pressure tester to check coolant leaks, as soon as there is leak in the engine, they can seal the leaks. This would prevent engine overheating.

  It seems the mechanic turned a blind eye at some problems and its gotten worse.

  Blown head gasket might sound like a big word, but what it means is the engine is warped due to heat so the connection between head and body of engine (where the gasket is) is no longer tight.

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  CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 18:57

  I'm really not sure what to think anymore. Read my post about 10 posts up about what is actually wrong with it (it's a busted cylinder head, and I have no idea if that actually is a head gasket, I'm clueless).

  New radiator was installed November last year.

  It has since been serviced in May this year.

  It doesn't make sense to me either why there was a catastrophic failure within 12 months of a new radiator being installed and a full cooling system service.

  I have no idea what I can do about this, if anything. We never neglected our car, ever. We are left shaking our heads in confusion and disbelief, because we love our car and did EVERYTHING to keep it maintained…

  Its done 213,000km, but that shouldn't make a lick of difference, right? Timing belt was changed at 180,000km.

  ???

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 02/11/2014 - 00:28

    +1

    It actually does make a difference because thats twice the metal fatigue compared to a 100,000km car of the same age. The engine problem itself was probably a fluke/bad luck, but the car has thousands of parts and problems will be just as difficult to diagnose and expensive to fix in the future. You could not have possibly replaced every part and they all age differently.

    It is quite a gamble buying a car at 13 years of age and after that you are fighting a losing battle keeping the parts updated. A new parts for and old car would be the same price as new parts for a much newer car. Mean while, buying new parts does not increase its value by much.
    Every single part brand new would probably be worth 1.5X a brand new car and this is not including the labour costs.

    You probably know this now, but spending a bit more in the short term is much better than having to put significantly more money into a car progressively. A good time to sell would be before the time belt requires changing, even priced accordingly putting a timing belt in would not raise the price by that much. Ethically, the best miles to own a car is between 50-90k kms. Or 60-80 if not driven around much.

    • 

      CryssieJade on 02/11/2014 - 08:29

      Thanks for all your help lolbbq, you're a gem :) Great advice!! Between Mum and I, we should be able to raise the base $8000 by about March/April, so looking forward to seeing what we can get then, keeping your km suggestions in mind.

      We worked out our budget last night and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel :D

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 02/11/2014 - 10:45

        +1

        you can easily get a 2008 or younger small car with less than 80k km (even a mazda 2) at that price.

        Once you've had a couple of days to come to terms with the death and loss of your car + its value you will feel much better. You've probably gotten quite a bit out of the car already at this point.

        Think about it, if the yard has a handy mechanic and decides to fix up the car for resale, they would not make as much money as they would have if they repaired it for somebody else (assuming they charge everybody the same).
        Unless they find great pleasure in digging into car engines and do so recreationally it is still going come of their 24 hours a day doing "something they don't really want to do" and its not like they will fix it any faster for themselves than they could have for you.

        Happy hunting!

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        CryssieJade on 02/11/2014 - 18:41

        @lolbbq:

        This is true, coming to terms with it is harder than the decision itself. We are still keen on Toyota, cheap parts, workhorses. We like our wagon, but since Toyota don't make them anymore, we may go back to a Corolla Hatchback, which is what we had before the wagon.

        Plenty of time to decide, thanks for cheering me up!!

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  AMLagonda on 01/11/2014 - 19:16

  +1

  The problem with fixing it now is more than likely the big ends bearing have had pressure put on them from the water and most often you fix the head and the motor has a knock, thats why I say dont bother fixing it, buy a second hand motor if you want it to go again but theres the problem you obviously need a mechanic to do that :/ I really dont trust anyone to touch my cars.
  You may have had it serviced (what ever that means) but was the coolant changed (and flushed) regularly (at least every 50-100,000kms)?

  • 

    CryssieJade on 01/11/2014 - 19:20

    Considering we've only had the car 4 years and driven 30,000km in that time, with a new radiator/total flush 11 months ago, then as long as it's been in our care, yes.

    Before that, it was logbook serviced every 10,000km by the previous owner, we have the records.

    • 

      Azn310 on 02/11/2014 - 11:34

      With this bit of info, we could say the car may have a dodgy past then? Maybe odometer winded back? Maybe it overheated before? Maybe the service record is fake? Mind you dealers can do all that these days, so if the car has been through a dealer in its life, high chance they did something with the record.

      Its easy just open oil cap and have a look, if thick oil build up then its definitely not serviced every 10,000km.

      210,000km is really not that much at all. I have purchased 2 Toyotas for family, both secondhand at 150,000 mark and they run literally like new on mostly original parts except batteries. Heading towards 180,000 problems-free.

      Im just offering opinions about what could have happened to your car because this could be a lesson for you, me and everyone so we can prevent it from happening in the future. As for your questions, best to just let it go somehow.

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  getho on 01/11/2014 - 21:08

  Same thing happened to us. Bought a 2nd hand engine, cost us about $1000 including labour. Its a bit of pot l ck what engine you get though. On the other hand you should get more than 1k for a 97 Camry wagon. Ours was a 93. This happened about 3 years ago. Crashed it last year and got a couple of grand off the insurance company.

  I found the engine not the mechanic. Phoned around wreckers.

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  syousef on 02/11/2014 - 00:28

  You're wasting your time. Just trade it in or take it to the wrecker and be done with it.

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  [Deactivated] on 02/11/2014 - 20:13

  +1

  I drove my car with a blown head gasket for like a year. Sure I had to keep the rev's up at lights or it would stall and not start again (at least while it was hot) but it kept going for a year. It also had no problems going long distance as the engine was well air cooled doing that. It was inner city driving that made it lose its water and gave it problems. Just try it out and make sure your with racq or something.

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  justwaitingforamate on 02/11/2014 - 21:03

  Some people have suggested different additives to "dodgy it up" and I whole heartedly agree….. nothing to lose but the $10 for the additive. I have been advised by a few mechanics now that Car-go is the best one. I put one in the old Hiace after doing the head gasket and it lasted 1.5 yrs…. when it went agian I put 2 bottles in and it went for 6 more months. Blowing a head gasket isn't always the same as they can fail at different spots= giving different symptoms and severity of symptoms. Good luck with it…. I learned the hard way that you actually do need to flush the radiation from time to time…. I always thought it was mechanics just trying to make work for themselves….. but yes it drastically increases the expected lifetime of the head gasket…. who would have thunk it!!

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  oztonyau on 02/11/2014 - 21:11

  Had a Corolla that blew its head gasket. Used Chemiweld, following instructions, it went for a year with no issues until written off in an accident.

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  r2160 on 03/11/2014 - 09:25

  +1

  Another choice is to go and find a motor wrecker and ask about them putting a second hand engine in. You will often find they will do the job for you, and chances are it will be a HEAP cheaper than the quote you are getting to fix a head gasket. They will also generally give you a warranty, anywhere from 3 months to a year.

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  JOCKz on 03/11/2014 - 14:42

  +1

  I remember growing up we use to be alot worse off. Mum had the same problem, we only paid $400 for a wrecker yard head and gasket fitted at our mechanic. Given it wasn't a 100% fix, i now suspect that their was a crack in one of the sleeves, would always have to top off the radiator. It lasted another 2/3 years with very minimal maintenance, funny thing was the tranny started slipping due to a leak before we got rid of it. I had little knowledge of cars in my younger years and no real money to buy tools either. I'll share with you some of my knowledge though.

  To those of you suggesting she repair it herself … tools alone will cost you about $3-400, gasket kit $100~, spanners $50~, sockets $50~, torque wrench $2-300. Not to mention all the other tid bits. If you can beg borrow or steal and have mates that are hobbyist, you can have a "new engine" in a camry before dinner.

  So first off, from what you were saying. I would run from that mechanic. If you drove into any workshop complaining it was "overheating" and "spluttering" and he told me it was my alternator going bad .. i would prolly make sure he wasn't high off petrol.

  Just a general rule with cars (not just for OP), cars don't "just loose fluid". That is why its recommended to check fluid levels at least weekly. So you can spot signs before catastrophic failure. Cooling systems are somewhat sealed systems, the system is pressurized which raises the boiling temperature. If their is hole in a radiator hose etc it will lower the boiling temp. and cause an "overheat".

  In your case i suspect the head gasket failed and the overheating either caused pre-detonation or the plugs to get wet, one of the two. Either way your in a dilemma. Those camry engines are plentiful, im sure if you rang around you'd find somewhere cheaper. Last time i rang around for a engine it was $1100 for a reco'd engine. If you want a cheap engine call up Toyota wreckers, i dont suspect it will more than $1500 fitted, just ask them how many kms its done and tell them to do a compression test.

  I would honestly just get rid of it, get whatever you can from rego and the few $100 you can get from a wrecking yard. If you really need a car in the meantime, get a honda in the same era. $1-2k will get you a decent car for that price.

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    CryssieJade on 03/11/2014 - 16:40

    Thanks JOCKz :)
    All sorted now, but definitely wiser from the experience. Read my OP for the update :)

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  [Deactivated] on 03/11/2014 - 17:22

  +1

  I would just buy another engine ($1000) from a wrecker (lower km) and get some backyard mech to install it. 97 Camry is a pretty basic engine, I have replaced two of them in the past in my spare time. If the rest of the car is fine I don't see why it needs to be sold.

  even if you replace the headgasket the chances you have warped the heads are high then it will need extra work… new engine is easier and quicker

  • 

    mini2 on 04/11/2014 - 13:38

    Yeh problem with another used engine is, you don't know how much time have you got between yet another BHG episode.

    If the head is warped not by too much surely it can be machine flat/true once again…at least you know the head gasket's done.

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  CryssieJade on 21/10/2015 - 09:16

  To anyone still subscribed to this thread…

  3 months ago (9 months after my car blew up), I finally found a car that suits me, my needs and my budget.

  I bought a 2008 Holden Astra station wagon with 131,000KM on the clock as an ex-fleet vehicle with 4 new tyres.
  She looks brand spanking, drives like a dream, and I got her for a steal (she's not stolen!)
  Economical as anything.

  Thanks for everyone's suggestions, 'Winnie' is now a loved member of the family!!