Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    MiaRose100907's Avatar
    MiaRose100907 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 30, 2010, 06:33 PM
    How much to fix a blown head gasket?
    I have a 1994 VW Jetta, 2.0 4 cyl, and for the past 6 months or more, it's been running like crap. During the summertime it overheated bad because the fan wasn't working.. I got that fixed and it hasn't had a problem since. It's always though leaked coolant. Lately, like I said for the past 6 months It's been very jerky and chugging when I drive it. It also backfires slightly too, especially when going up hills. Since the weather has been colder, I noticed the heater wasn't working. I took it someplace and sure enough, the heater core needed to be replaced. I dropped $715 to fix that. Finally, the heater was working. I also replaced the air intake boot because there was a huge hole in that. Now my check engine light was gone because I got that part replaced. Unfortunately, the chugging and jerking still was there. I was hoping fixing the boot would have fixed that.
    Now, tonight I was driving the car, and out of no where, the temp light came on. I haven't seen it do this since summer. I was on my way somewhere and couldn't pull over, so I figured I would just add some coolant to it once I got where I was going. Well, when I stopped and parked, smoke/steam was coming from the engine. That worried me, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't just due to cold weather and warm engine. I called the mechanics and they told me to bring it in.
    They told me I had a blown head gasket, and that the coolant is leaking into the engine, causing it to only run on 3 cyl, not 4. Which is why it's chugging and running like crap.
    So, finally, how much would it cost to fix something like this? The mechanic was quoting me $500 in labor alone for fixing just the head gasket..
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 30, 2010, 07:08 PM

    $500 would be a bargain. There may also be valve damage and the head may need machining, due to overheating. These situations frequently cost $2,500+. Get several estimates, in writing, first.
    MiaRose100907's Avatar
    MiaRose100907 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 30, 2010, 08:10 PM
    Comment on TxGreaseMonkey's post
    Thank you for your help. How long would you think I could drive it for until it dies on me? I don't have the money to even consider fixing this right now. I won't have the money until February..
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 30, 2010, 08:22 PM

    Honestly, I wouldn't drive it, until it's fixed. You run the risk of seriously damaging the engine even more. Aluminum head engines are very unforgiving. I'm sorry.

    It could die at any time and really is not safe to drive.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Blown head gasket? How much to fix? [ 17 Answers ]

My 2001 Cavalier is using coolant like crazy, leaking it as well. The motor oil is kind of lumpy, does this mean a blown head gasket & is it worth it to fix? Plus what do I get fixed? Thank you I can't afford to have someone take advantage & charge me a crazy amount of $:o

What does it cost to fix a blown head gasket ? [ 4 Answers ]

What is a reasonalble price to pay a machanic to fix a blown head gasket on a 1995 corsica chevy.. I have had several people to say it was a blown gasket, but not what it would cost to fix it. I know each machanic charges differently, but what is reasonable ? Thank you...

Blown Head Gasket? [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 97 cadillac seville sls with a northstar engine. It has been in the shop a few times over the past 4 months. It started overheating so I took it to the auto shop, (which was supposed to repair it, so I figured). I had the thermostat, water pump, radiator, oxygen sensors replaced, but none...

Blown Head Gasket [ 4 Answers ]

I need information on a Blown Head Gasket. My 2002 Ford Mustang has been running hot for almost a year (beginning last summer and usually only in the summer). We have replaced the thermostat 2x and it will work for a few months then start running hot again. It is now running hot and I took it to...

Blown head gasket [ 1 Answers ]

Wher to start when replacing head gasket on 19995 nissan altima

View more questions Search