Auto Parts: hey, heather white, head gasket

Question
QUESTION: i have a 91 eclipse and it's been sitting for about two yrs because it all of a sudden wouldn't move and it blows white smoke, it also doesnt want to stay running i have to keep pushing the gas to keep it going. i finally have the time and money to work on it so any help of what you think it may be would be greatly apreciated. thanks

ANSWER: Hi Heather,

White smoke means it is burning anti-freeze/coolant and that typically indicates a bad head gasket, a cracked head or a cracked block. More likely than not it'll just be a bad gasket so it'll be a relatively easy fix. Well, not easy, but it is a simple problem with a simple solution.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much for the advice...i am trying to learn how to do things on my own so if possible could you explain how to get to the head gasket? i am familiar with some of the stuff already just not this. also...would the gasket make the transmission slip and the car not want to move? thanks again.

Answer
Hi Heather,

A bad gasket will NOT make the trans slip but low fluid will. You NEED to use ATF+4 and NOT regular Dextron-III. That's very important.

A head gasket replacement isn't something you 'learn' on unless you have a serious desire to haul it to your local scrap-recycler for scrap-metal weight. Seriously, on that engine a head gasket job is easily six hours. The engine is a restricted-movement assembly so if the timing is off by even ONE tooth, you'll bend 4 valves.

My advice? Find a reputable technician near you and get a quote or two.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php