Repair estimates & shop recommendation

myfavoritecar

New Member
I am new to this forum and hope to get your advice re issues I am having with my 1998 Integra coupe. I am the original owners and have taken great care of it. All service except for two oil changes were done at the dealers'.
Here's the issue: The car overheated (went way out off the chart in less than a minute) a few days ago, and I had it towed to a dealer service I don't like and generally stay away from. They gave me an obscene quote and we towed it elsewhere. I was told that pretty much everything needs to be replaced - head gasket, radiator & hoses, thermostat, spark plugs, air filter, timing belt, fan belts, etc. Quoted almost $3K for the repairs. BTW, most if not all of these were already replaced at some point.

I'm not ready to write it off, but was hoping I can get a recommendation for a good mechanic/shop in SoCal. Also, any particular parts you recommend? I got just generic quotes, radiator -$x, head gasket - $y, without any specs what parts will be purchased/installed. As much as I am a DYI type, I'll leave car fixing to those in the know. Any info/advice is greatly appreciated.
 

SoundEfx

New Member
Honestly, it it over heated that badly, I would swap in another engine rather than trying to fix the old one.
 

phatintegra

Banned
I would not ruled out the head gasket just yet. Is there any smoke coming out of the tail pipe if so? what color is the smoke?

Do a visual check first if there is no smoke coming out of the tail pipe (exhaust muffler).

1. Have you check around the radiator and upper/lower radiator hose for any sign of coolant.

2. There is a skinny hose in the back of the valve cover on the Intake Manifold that connect to the FITV (Fast Idle Valve). See if there any sign of coolant.
 
Last edited:

R13

The other asshole
Is it a gsr or regular LS/GS/RS with a non vtec engine?
 


Samurai_Blue

Yolo Whippin'
check your oil to see if its mixed with coolant.

Check your coolant levels

if those two are fine, replace the thermostat.


I suggest going to Raceline USA in Temple City CA. (626) 292-7030.


They do normal automotive repair as well as performance stuff. I drive there from nor cal to get my car tuned there.
 

Nick_C78

New Member
Where in SoCal are you located? I am in orange county. $3000 is outrageous. I could do a complete B20 swap for under 1500. I am out of town until Monday 11/16. When I get back we can work on a game plan on fixing your car.
 

myfavoritecar

New Member
Thank you all so much for responding. It is an RS, non-VTEC engine. There was no smoke coming out of it and I can't check the tail pipe as it's currently at the shop. I haven't looked under the hood but my husband says it looked "bad", whatever that means. He says it looked to him like there were signs of corrosion on the radiator, and he thinks there were signs of coolant leak. When we checked the oil at the shop, it was super low even though we replaced it late June and the car went less than 200 miles since then. We are on the West Side, Culver City area, but I'd take it elsewhere if possible to have a reputable/honest service.
 


phatintegra

Banned
If you see no smoke there is nothing wrong with the head gasket.

I believe you only need a new radiator.. Where exactly did he see the corrosion was it on the top or on the fins where the fans are mounted? The (2) radiator hoses are not expensive, only change them if there are leaking.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top