1997 Dodge Caravan Blown Head Gasket

Tiny
DAVEBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
My 1997, 165000 miles, Grand Caravan has been having cooling system problems for awhile. Last repair was a new radiator. The other day while driving it began smoking and making a loud noise. My wife stopped immediately, and I had it towed to a repair shop. The coolant was gone from the radiator and when I put more in, it was just escaping from somewhere near the lower portion of the engine. The garage says it is a blown head gasket and they want to replace the engine for $3800. This doesn't seem right to me. Is this reasonable for a car with this problem and mileage?
Saturday, October 25th, 2008 AT 12:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
If they are replacing the entire engine, the price is a little high but not totally out of line. If that is what they want for head gaskets, yes that is high. Based on where you live (labor rates) I would think head gasket replacements should be well under $1000.00.

Let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, October 25th, 2008 AT 10:56 PM

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