Honda Repair: 1989 Honda Civic LX Heads, honda civic lx, head gasket

Question
My 1989 Honda Civic LX started to overheat the other day, with steam blowing through a hose, so I took it to my mechanic who said it was just the hose and replaced it. But, it overheated again the same day. So I took it back to him, and he said that it was the "head(s)" and that he would not replace the "head(s" because "everytime he did that, the bottom of the engine would go bad shortly thereafter". (my response - ?) He will, however, replace my engine. He can get one for $300.00, he says. (That of course does not include putting it in.) My questions are: 1. What is a "head" - is that the head gasket set that you buy or something else? 2. Is it true that the bottom engine will go bad if I have the head(s) replaced? 3. Is this car even worth fixing? (I use it for work, easy on gas) and 4. Is it time for me to find another mechanic? Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.

Answer
Those engines are bad about blowing the head gasket.  You would have to have the head machined and have the head gasket and bolts replaced.  A very common problem with that engine.  Of course, I wouldn't replace the head.  If you replace the head, the engine will most likely start to smoke.  I would just have a machine shop resurface the deck area of the head to make sure its not warped.  Of course, depending upon how much he is going to charge you to replace the engine and how many miles you have on the car and what kind of condition its in would depend upon if I would do the engine.  You run the risk with that car to get an engine no better than the one you are taking out.  If the car is still in decent shape, spending $500-$800 to get an engine put in the car wouldn't be a bad investment considering you wouldn't get another car like it for that and know the history of the car.