Hi forums!
Back in February, I bought a one owner, completely stock, 1994 Civic LX sedan in good condition with a book of maintenance and repair records going all the way back to 2001 for $1500. Despite some minor issues (glitchy intermittent wipers, power steering fluid leaks, no AC) the car has had zero issues in the 4,000 miles I've driven since I bought it, but about 3 weeks ago the temperature started creeping up when idling in heavy traffic for more than a minute or so. When I turned the heater on it would go right back down to halfway so I didn't think much of it.

Last Monday, I was sitting for about 3 minutes in a congested intersection trying to turn left when I looked down and noticed my temperature was pegged in the red. I freaked out and did a U turn, swung into a parking lot, and noticed that the temp had gone back down to about 3/4ths of the way up, but I turned the car off immediately. Hearing horror stories about aluminum heads warping and blowing head gaskets from just overheating the engine once, I decided not to risk driving it any further and had it towed to a nearby well-established mechanic over the labor day weekend.

I got a call from the mechanic on Tuesday morning, stating that they did a pressure test on my cooling system and the test revealed that the engine had a blown head gasket. I reluctantly asked him how much they'd charge for a head gasket replacement, and he said that it would be a waste of money since "the bottom end of the engine is very weak" and putting a new head gasket in would put too much stress on the other parts of the engine, and that I would be better off with either a new engine or a new car. I was devastated and just told him that I'd have it towed back to my house after I got off work, and it's been sitting in my driveway since then.

Now that I've had some time to think about it, what are my options now? I don't want to sell the car, since it's my first car and I saved up for months to buy it. Where should I look for a replacement engine? Or should I try replacing the head gasket myself? I feel like they were just trying to get rid of me by dismissing all of my questions with "nope, you just need a new car." The engine is a D15B7 with 232,000 miles on it.

 

hmotors seems to be the go-to guys:

https://www.hmotorsonline.com/

just wondering how they know the bottom is weak.
honda brand head gasket should be about $65.
you'll need new head bolts (can't be re-used) for $40
or so or arp head studs ($130) which can be re-used.
timing belt/tensioner/water pump should be done while in there,
that's another $80 plus any tools you don't have.
here's a good parts guide:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...civic-3114911/

make sure the block and head mating surfaces are clean as hell
and look at some youtube vids to get the hang of it.

 

cheapest option....swap out that motor for a D16 and keep driving.

 

What all would that involve, outside of the engine removal? Any modification/fabrication?

 

P28 OBD1 ecu, and wiring up VTEC from solenoid/switch to ECU. You can re-use your axles, shift linkage, mounts, etc...

 

Your mechanic says the D15B7 is too weak to put in a new head gasket after having the head resurfaced for flatness? I find that a little ridiculous but to each their own.

If you are after power then I get it. But if you are after a decent economy car, that's exactly what the LX D15B7 motor is about.

A new head gasket would not stress other parts of the engine, that was a pure cop out in my opinion. I think he used the cop out as in his mind the amount of money to pay someone to do the head gasket job is better spent on a more powerful, less economical motor. For just a little bit more, b series blah blah blah.

What do you want from the car? That is really the question.

 

Its just a precaution but they should've been honest, they are concern that if they do the headgasket more issues might arise.