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Hello.

I own a 2003 Civic Ex coupe. It now has 250K miles. Few months ago, it started overheating, I took it to the mechanic who replaced the radiator and after that it was running w/ no problems. Recently when I took it for a long drive, it started to overheat again and as I slowed down on the highway, smoke came out of the radiator cap. I took it back and the mechanic who suggested that I replace the radiator again because it got fluid in it and also he replaced the thermostat. This did not fix the problem and now he says the head gasket needs to be replaced.
My question is..would it be worth the money to replace the gasket along with the radiator. The car has a lot of miles (250K) but the engine and transmission still run smooth (it is a manual). The mechanic also suggests that if I am going to do this that I should replace the water pump and timing belt as well. They were replaced when the car had a little under 200K miles so I don't know if that is necessary.
If anyone here has any experience with this. I would appreciate any suggestions. I think replacing the gasket along with the radiator will cost me up to a $1000 and I don't want to do all this work and the car breaks down again. Also will replacing the gasket for a car that has a lot of miles effect the bottom of the engine..I just don't want to waste all that money and the engine goes on me.

Thank You

Yaseen

 
Rep Power: 811

its hard to say without knowing the history of the engine. with that many miles, i would be hesitant to do any kind of engine work when an entire low mileage engine can be had easily on ebay or elsewhere for around $400-600. might even be cheaper to swap the whole engine for another with low miles. mechanics will always recommend what will make them the most money. in this case, tearing apart an old engine to fix all sorts of potential problems. i would be darn sure its even a headgasket before thinking about any of this. there are quite a few tests to do before jumping to conclusions.

 
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OK. that makes sense but as far as I know the engine is in good condition and ran perfect before the overheating started. I know that I can get a used engine for cheap but that and paying some1 to install it..the cost exceeds a $1000. I found some1 who replace the gasket for 700 and I am considering it otherwise the car is useless.

Thank You for the suggestion

 
Rep Power: 511

he told you to replace the radiator because it got fluid in it...? Dunno about you, but I am particularly fond of keeping my radiator full of fluid.. The only reason I can think of to replace a new radiator is if you somehow busted a hole through it.

 
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Yeh there was a leak or something, still not sure if this is worth fixing