1995 Toyota Corolla Engine stops after heat indicator shows

1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
110,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
GETPREM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi,

I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla v4. I am changing the oil regularly every 3000 miles and neat maintenance.
Yesterday evening while I am driving all of sudden I got the Engine check indicator on, then Heat indicator show high then car stopped immediately. On the middle of the road, I don’t know what to do. Then I have started the car, it starts then I drive 0.3 miles to stop at the mechanic shop. This morning mechanic said, the core plug is failed, antifreeze is leaking, he estimated totally around $400, which includes (core plugs, head gas cut and labor).
Now I have no choice to move the car from that mechanic to another mechanic.
Could you please suggest what I have to do?.

I really appreciate your help.

Thanks
Prem
Sep 24, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 8,548 POSTS
If the freeze plug is leaking, it must be replaced, the cooling system flushed and replace the thermostat.
Also check all hoses for bulging/cracking.

If the engine gets too hot for too long, you take the risk of blowing a headgasket or warping a head.
This will cost significantly more than $400 to fix.
Sep 24, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Avatar
GETPREM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I really appreciate your rapid response.
To make clear to me,
Now I have to change the coreplugs
I have to change the head gasket
I have to change the hoses from the radiator to the engine.


Do I need to change the radiator also?. If so how much it costs me?. Do you have repair shops in East Rutherford, NJ, 07073 area.
If so please provide the details, I will be happy to get my car there for future repairs. I will recomend to my friends also.

thanks
Prem
Sep 24, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 8,548 POSTS
[quote:a0d587eadc="getprem"]I really appreciate your rapid response.
To make clear to me,
Now I have to change the coreplugs
I have to change the head gasket
I have to change the hoses from the radiator to the engine.


Do I need to change the radiator also?. If so how much it costs me?. Do you have repair shops in East Rutherford, NJ, 07073 area.
If so please provide the details, I will be happy to get my car there for future repairs. I will recomend to my friends also.

thanks
Prem[/quote:a0d587eadc]

You need to change the freeze plugs as you indicated they are leaking. Do not change the headgasket unless it is leaking, you can find out by having a compression test performed.
I would not change the radiator unless you see it leaking. If the hoses are original, I would change them.
After the freeze plugs are replaced, have the cooling system flushed and new coolant added and also change the thermostat.
Sep 25, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Avatar
GETPREM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the reply. But it was little late for me. Just before I have pick the car from shop.Mechanic changed the headgasket ($72) and two core plugs ($25) and other small parts($40) and labor($235) total $377 charged.

He suggested," Your vehicle is 110000 miles, so you need to change the timing belt and other tune up". that will cost again another $800.

I am not sure what to do?. Do I need to do Maintenance repairs for 100000?. What needs to be done.?.

Thanks for your time ahd prompt response.

Thanks
Prem
Sep 25, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 8,548 POSTS
The timing belt should be changed at 60,000 mile intervals. If you have the original timing belt, yes it should be changed. I would also change plugs and wires every 30,000 miles.

Shop around for a better price, the price for the headgasket was certainly reasonable.

I would ask him what he is changing for $800.

He should have ask you about the timing belt when he changed the headgasket, since he had to remove the timing belt to change the headgasket.
Sep 26, 2008 at 7:56 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.