Spyridon

This is a follow up to https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...5#post49916395 - the original problem can be read there.

On the 1997 Acura Integra, the radiator ended up having a big crack in it, got it replaced and now it turns out there is bad head gasket.

The mechanic said the quote on the head gasket is going to be $1500 repair, and he's going to check various other things such as water pump etc, change all fluids along with it, and so on.

Is that high for an estimate for this repair?

I'm not sure if I should dish out that much money to do this, or if I should end up trying to do it myself? Is it hard to DIY on this vehicle? Does it require much tools? Are there many more things you have to check along side this?

Might it be that he just wants me to do this repair and tell me theres more probs after?

I'm not sure what else he said he was going to check (he had an accent and was kind of hard to understand) all I made out was water pump and something about fluids... but what I am wondering is if that was implying that there may be more problems after replacing the head gasket.

What do you suggest I do in this situation? I'm leaning towards attempting it myself due to the high difference in price, but I'm a bit worried that there may be some other problems other than the head gasket and I may miss them...

(Edit: Also, I work at an auto parts wholesaler, so I can get the parts for dirt cheap, that might help weighing in this decision...)

B_Swapped93

lol that's nuts $1.5K that's maybe $300 labour if that probes not even. even easier on the non VTEC engines. do it your self for maybe $150 at the very most you need all of 3 sockets...10/12/14 and a flex head 12mm for the intake mani bots at the back. the DIY on here seems to be gone but it's extremely simple when I had an integra it took me all of 30 mins to have the head off(left the intake mani on) with an air ratchet but that's with a tucked bay.

Spyridon

Called another place which specializes in acura and they quoted $900, which is better but still not in my price range.

So I guess I will end up doing it myself...

I found this: http://www.clubintegra.com/board/showthread.php?t=69825

Is that a proper list of everything I will need for the repair, and the tools required?

Final question - Is there any other service, maintenance, or diagnostic tests I should do AFTER changing the gasket, to make sure there are no further problems? I would appreciate it if anyone could give me a list of other things to check to make sure this repair goes smoothly and the car is in working order again. As mentioned we just had the radiator changed, and now going to do the gasket and everything on this list above (assuming the link has good information).

Thanks!

tamboo

here's a list:

http://www.spooledupracing.com/downl...als/FSM/Honda/

ek9148

Sounds pretty pricey best thing to do is ask around!