Suspected cracked head

[NeilVS]

So, I burst a hose on the way to work one the other day and it was hissing out steam and what not. I was told by a mate that it was a heater hose and wouldnt impact the engine in any way, but get it fixed. Obviously.

On the way home, it got about 5kms down the road and overheated like crazy. So I turned it off, let it cool for a few hours and limped it home - no overheating this time.

Mechanics fixed the broken hose - $280, no big deal. But, upon pressure testing they've found that the head gasket is now leaking (Done a "teekay test" or something) Way too much oil in the water/ some fluid turned yellow. I dunno enough about engines to know whats going on.

Anyway, they wanna charge me $4500 to fix it. $3200ish if they can get away with machining the head back to good health.

Yet I can pick up a re-cond L67 on ebay (not that I would buy an engine off ebay anyway) for $2250 (Super Charged Ecotech Engine Conversion L67 Holden | eBay)

Is there something im missing here or what?

[Cameron P]

two things you should learn from this experiance... 1. do not listen to mates who have no idea about cars and 2. dont drive your car when a hose blows.. because a heater hose is connected to your cooling system so you drained your coolant out hence why you blew your head gasket

dont get a mechanic to fix your engine if its gonna cost that much... get a reco'd engine like that one on ebay but not from ebay or if your wallet doesnt like that idea go a second hand engine

hope that helps and hope all goes well with your car

[NeilVS]

Cheers mate. I'll wait to get the official quote from the mechanic tomorrow before I decide which way to go. Good news is I should be getting a work ute soon, so I can afford to have the ole VX parked up for a bit. Bad news is that it goes into the shop next week to get the bodykit fixed. Hopefully it doesnt mind getting limped around a little bit more.

And yes, never let old mate tell me about cars. and I should've bloody known about the heater hose thing. It gets hot from the engine, so it must be connected somehow.

Anyone know some typical prices for reconditioned Ecotecs? Or a crate L67?

[Cameron P]

Cheers mate. I'll wait to get the official quote from the mechanic tomorrow before I decide which way to go. Good news is I should be getting a work ute soon, so I can afford to have the ole VX parked up for a bit. Bad news is that it goes into the shop next week to get the bodykit fixed. Hopefully it doesnt mind getting limped around a little bit more.

And yes, never let old mate tell me about cars. and I should've bloody known about the heater hose thing. It gets hot from the engine, so it must be connected somehow.

Anyone know some typical prices for reconditioned Ecotecs? Or a crate L67?

by the sounds of it you will be better off with a reco.. they go for around a few grand

yay your learning!!!! coolant runs into your dash via heater hoses :P

[GEN3RATD]

tough break mate, seems like the mechanic saw you coming.
if a work ute is on the way id definately look at your options, if it were me though i wouldnt f*ck around with an L67 as you are still pushing shit up a hill.
obviously it depends on your power goals

[Cameron P]

tough break mate, seems like the mechanic saw you coming.
if a work ute is on the way id definately look at your options, if it were me though i wouldnt f*ck around with an L67 as you are still pushing shit up a hill.
obviously it depends on your power goals

here we go.. lol!!

[GEN3RATD]

im not bringing the V6-V8 argument up again because all the keyboard warriors get amongst it. im bringing the "what is the reasonable thing to do" argument up.

[Cameron P]

trust me they will be here soon *checks watch*

if you were smart and wanted power you'd throw a v8 in there but the poor bloke probably just wants in running how it was again

[GEN3RATD]

yeah but $4500? they can blow that out their arse.

[acarmody]

Why don't you replace the head-gaskets yourself? Its really quite easy on an Ecotec. The only think your can't do yourself is to machine the heads.

Pick up some heads from somewhere, get them inspected and machined (not expensive), drain coolant, remove plenum chamber and intake manifold, remove alternator, remove heater pipes, remove rocker covers, remove rockers and pushrods, undo the exhaust manifold, unbolt heads, remove all of the old gasket, lay down new gasket, and reverse. Could be done in a day easy.

But the best advice is to get yourself a Gregory's manual.

[pablo]

Engine oil in the coolant has been discussed here recently, and the general concensus is the inlet gaskets are at fault. Does that "teekay"? test specifically pinpoint the head gasket?

[Jacko84]

mate cheapest and best option by a secondhand motor and get ur mechanic to chuck that in probably pick one up between 500- 1000

[Hangman]

I did that when I seized the engine in my old VP. $900 for a good second hand motor. That was 6 or so years ago now.

[NeilVS]

Does that "teekay"? test specifically pinpoint the head gasket?

Apparently yeah. Mechanic was carrying on about exhaust gases in the coolant or something. He reckons the head itself might not be cracked, lowering the bill to $3200. Normally this place is pretty good for servicing and wha tnot but I dunno, they've kind of dropped the ball on this one.

Also got a quote from another mob in town to get a reco'd ecotec at $2800 - not fitted though. Being 1600kms north of Perth has its disadvantages when it comes to prices ey.

[Dayvo]

Why don't you replace the head-gaskets yourself? Its really quite easy on an Ecotec. The only think your can't do yourself is to machine the heads.

Pick up some heads from somewhere, get them inspected and machined (not expensive), drain coolant, remove plenum chamber and intake manifold, remove alternator, remove heater pipes, remove rocker covers, remove rockers and pushrods, undo the exhaust manifold, unbolt heads, remove all of the old gasket, lay down new gasket, and reverse. Could be done in a day easy.

But the best advice is to get yourself a Gregory's manual.

This is the way id go . Seeing as though you will have the work ute you can take your time to do it and get a bit of mechanical experience while you are at it .

[Bryce_VS]

i got quoted $2500 for fixing a head gasket (it turned out it wasnt a head gasket though)
Look at second hand engines, ECOTECs are dirt cheap. wont pay over $1000 for one.

Moral of the story is:
Drive your car into the ground so you have an excuse to buy a big V8.

[NeilVS]

Eh, If I wanted an 8, I'd already have one . I'm not out for power or anything. A car that (I think) looks cool is enough for me. I'll continue looking around for another ecotec for now I reckon. It might even be worth trucking the car to Perth and getting it done down there by someone who knows what they're doing too.

and yes, I'd love one of those manuals. Because i'd love to know the ins and outs of how it all works in there. And save a shit ton of money as well.

[nitrowarrior]

Mate I just finished getting the top end dressed for an l67........Blown Head Gasket, Cracked Head.......
Easy fix really....VRS kit for a l67 is only $220, and it comes with new valve stems, I got my heads and intake manifold machined, and new valve stems intalled in heads, $370 total. Replacement heads, $150 for a pair off ebay(lol)
Now tonight load the top end back onto the block.....simple, should have the top end engine back together in around 3hours, and half a slab of VB...........
Make sure you have a Torque Wrench, and NEW HEAD BOLTS $40..................Apperntly supposed to get new rocker bolts as well, but I am comfortable reusing the same rocker bolts...Head Bolts Must be replaced.....

Total cost of parts and machining... 220 + 40 + 370 + 150........Total rebulid price excluding Oils, Filters, Spark etc...............$790...................Dont Pay the price you were qouted, get some other qoutes....
Total Labour to strip top off motor in car, clean components, disassemble, reassemble, make car run............15 Hours....
Extras needs.........Oil, Filter, Plugs, Coolant, Themostat, Torque Wrench