I've got a blown headgasket on my 94' GSR. I talked to a guy who said that he could fix it for $200 as long as the car would idle. Right now it's not. I changed the oil and put in some Mobil 1 Synthetic, and bought new sparkplugs, but haven't put them in yet. It still won't idle with just the changed oil. So that's the sum-up, here are my questions...
Will putting in brand new sparkplugs give it a higher chance of idling, and if so how high is the chance? If that doesn't work, what is the usual procedure of getting a headgasket fixed, and how much will it cost? I just want my car to be running again by spending as little money as possible. I'm not worrying about the long term.

So, any advice would be great. Thanks a lot guys.

(Mods - sorry for the double post, but I'd like some feedback. )

 

I'm not sure of the headgasket procedure, but putting new spark plugs in your car may make a huge difference in your idling depending upon the condition of your existing ones. I just replaced my filthy, rotten plugs last week and my car idles 100% better. Also, if you're gonna change your plugs, you should also replace your wires, distributor, rotor, fuel filter, PCV valve, etc. All of those parts can effect your idling if they are worn or damaged.


[Modified by ebelp, 10:36 PM 9/13/2002]

 

Sounds good, thanks. Any other advice guys?

Oh yeah, Pep Boys a decent place to get this stuff?

 

clean injectors also help idle..

 

Yeah, I don't need a smooth idle though... I just need the car to actually start and stay at idle. That's all. So keep the advice coming, thanks

 

Changing the sparkplugs will not change anything. I seem to remember me telling you tune up stuff would be like putting a bandaide on a gunshot wound.

IF YOUR HEAD GASKET IS NOT ALLOWING AN ENRICHED MIXTURE OF FUEL AND AIR TO COLLECT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER TO BE IGNITED BY THE SPARKPLUG YOUR CAR WILL NOT RUN.

It doesn't matter if you have old plugs or new plugs, or old oil or new oil. I'm sorry you are having problems with your car, but don't post questions expecting an easy fix for a complicated problem.

 

Maybe it won't idle b/c it's flooded with coolant. Check for wet plugs.

If your headgasket is indeed screwed, you'll have to (at the very least) pull the head off and replace the headgasket. You'll also want to check the head and the block deck for straightness....especially if you ran into overheating problems with teh blown headgasket.


[Modified by IN VTEC, 9:39 PM 9/13/2002]

 

My car was idling messed up for a while, It felt like it wanted to shut off at times like it was gasping for air. Today when I changed the spark plugs with new Denso plugs......my baby idles sweet. It used to idle high and the needle would jump up and down sometimes. I would also notice some smoke coming out the back but not any more. Maybe it's just me. Holla if you had the same problem