Blown head gasket

RJ133

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA CELICA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Car overheated. Determined that radiator cap was loose and possibly why car overheated. Was driven briefly in the red. Took to mechanic who texted and said had failed chemical test so diagnosed a blown head gasket (and possibly warped cylinder I think). Said would be about $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 and possibly more.

We got coolant put in at mechanic same day so could drive home and weigh the options and bad news. Since then we have driven only as needed and off highway, under 45 mph so can get to work and groceries etc. It has not overheated again. The oil is not milky, the coolant level remains good each morning when we check it.

Our main question is what, if anything, is downside of trying a leak stopper like Bars Head Gasket Repair (HG-1)? We do not currently have the funds for the repair and it would be a great benefit if that worked for a period of time. Thanks for your help!
Robin

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

Do not use that product as it never works and creates more problems by clogging the radiator and the heater core.

The proper repair is to remove the head and have the gasket replaced and the head checked for being warped. Then you need to find the reason it failed. A blown head gasket is a result of overheating not the cause of overheating.

The price sounds high. I would estimate it at around $1,000.00 to $1,200.00 tops for that engine.

Shop around for different pricing.

Do not drive it much as the longer you drive it the more chance you have of damaging the bearings. Coolant hitting the mains and rods is detrimental to the bearings.

Roy