The head gasket in my '91 Integra LS (automatic) is blown in all probability.
Instead of paying the shop $750 to replace it, I would like to get my hands dirty and try it myself during spring break, March 10-16.
However, I don’t possess the extensive theoretical nor working knowledge of mechanics to do it alone.
So I would like to hire a consultant, who has previous experience correctly replacing a head gasket, to work with me on the project from beginning to end. The role will entail primarily of advising and overseeing my work; secondarily, physically assisting (but hopefully not much).
I have owned a Haynes manual for 15 years and still don’t find it be a clear read for the novice (also, not nearly enough pictures [they aren’t clear either]). However, I will peruse it prior to the project to gain a basic knowledge & awareness in preparation of the project.
Honestly, I don’t even know how to torque to specs; my knowledge & experience is limited.
The abbreviations (HG, VC) are unfamiliar to me – I-know, I-know, about reading the forums for more information.
Repairing a car is like cooking, you can follow the steps and still fall short of the expected outcome, because their are intricacies and nuances of both that aren’t or can’t be explained – I need that extra assistance.
If you can’t make a simple recipe into what it’s supposed to be, then working on a car even with experienced help…that help will end up doing the project and you’ll end up watching and taking pictures. Not exactly a consultant.
Repairing a car is like cooking, either you’ve got it or you go to school for it. If neither of those work for you then you just go to the restaurant or hire a cook (aka spouse). No real consulting can be done. Sorry to be blunt, but it’s just facts.
[QUOTE=CandeShop;2289080]If you can’t make a simple recipe into what it’s supposed to be, then working on a car even with experienced help…that help will end up doing the project nd up watching and taking pictures. Not exactly a consultant.
Repairing a car is like cooking, either you’ve got it or you go to school for it. If neither of those work for you then you just go to the restaurant or hire a cook (aka spouse). No real consulting can be done. Sorry to be blunt, but it’s just facts.[/QUOTE]
CandleShop, last month I put a new radiator in. Before installation, I researched online, read Haynes, watched YouTube video, then typed out the steps. During installation, a problem arose that wasn’t covered in any of the media I reviewed. Thankfully, my father just so happened to have someone working on his car at the time. The technician saw me struggling, offered help, but didn’t touch a tool – he verbally directed me through it. And it worked. I completed my task; he went back to his.
That experience is where I got this idea from. This strategy may not be for you or another. But I know my limits, and this is appropriate course of action.
a head gasket involves having to put the timing belt back on and re-timing the motor. its not difficult but by yourself it can be very challenging. if i were you, i would make an ad on craigslist for someone to help you out or do it for you. no matter what, i think you will come out better than paying 750+ to a shop. i did that once when i got my second da and it needed a clutch. some guy responded and replaced my clutch for 100$.
with your limited knowledge and skill i think your best bet would be to either suck it up and pay the shop, do it your self and take whatever risk or ask someone in the area for help.
