I have a 1998 Civic DX Hatchback - 125k miles ... it recently (according the Gilroy Honda) blew a head gasket and cost me 1400.00 to repair. That was about 5 weeks ago. Now, when I turn the engine off, it ticks for a long time, like a metronome.
Any suggestions???
Gilroy Honda (Gilroy, CA) is about 90 miles from where I live as I was out of town when the car overheated. I have had every service on time and only through Grace Honda in San Bruno, CA. (except this one time at Gilroy Honda).
Thanks,
Amy

 

dang...they really overpriced you. head gaskets costs $50-100, i would have done it for some cookies
but the ticking(depends on the sound and how loud)
when a honda engine is cold it will tick
if its real loud all the time you have some adjustments that need to be made
if you take off the cover off the top of the engine there are rows of screws they need adjusted up or down. good luck

 

try and listen to where its "ticking". and i agree with rick, 1400 is CRAZY! but i guess dealers are expensive. GOOD LUCK

 

thanks for your replies. i was out of town staying at a yoga retreat when my car died. nobody would recommend a local mechanic that was honest/good.
so i went to the dealership...
listen to where it's ticking? i don't even know the names of the engine components. lol.
will try.
anyone know any excellent honda guys near san francisco?
thanks,
amy

 

there should be tons.
put an add in craigslist under car parts and use key words like "honda, civic" for mechanic repairs needed. and have friends over at your house incase you get a weirdo.

 

1400 is about twice the amount it should cost to have a headgasket done, especially on a SOHC.

next time it's happening pop your hood and listen close to where about the ticking is coming from, it's hard to say what it is from this standpoint but i'm thinking exhaust cooling down.