95 XJ Overheated, Shop says Head Gasket, need advice/info

[lawsoncl]

Overheating that fast makes me suspicious that you either don't have coolant in there, it's not holding pressure and boiling, or it's just not pumping coolant. Could be a crappy water pump that failed, coolant leak, and/or the gasket failed. Being 27 years old, you're probably well overdue for a new radiator.

I'd be tempted to call around and find a good independent mechanic willing to troubleshoot a bit more that "bad head gasket - replace engine".

[Etherel15]

Originally Posted by lawsoncl

Overheating that fast makes me suspicious that you either don't have coolant in there, it's not holding pressure and boiling, or it's just not pumping coolant. Could be a crappy water pump that failed, coolant leak, and/or the gasket failed. Being 27 years old, you're probably well overdue for a new radiator.

I'd be tempted to call around and find a good independent mechanic willing to troubleshoot a bit more that "bad head gasket - replace engine".

The radiators only a couple years old (the engine was swapped when I bought it at 130k, with a 35k motor, its about 170k now) but maybe the radiators not that great. It had overheated badly in December, and the pump and lines were replaced, so perhaps they did a shotty job?

I plan on getting another diagnosis, just hoping to wrap my head around what could be wrong, so I could be better informed when talking to a different mechanic/shop. knowing what I'm getting into will help with the stress.

[lawsoncl]

It wouldn't surprised me if they put in a cheap pump and the impeller disintegrated. It would be really helpful to do a few of the basic tests like compression and leakdown which could confirm a bad head gasket before digging into it. Even just starting it and watching for bubbles in the radiator could be conclusive.

Got any neighbors or friends who are car savvy that might help for the low, low price of a 6-pack?

[Etherel15]

Originally Posted by lawsoncl

It wouldn't surprised me if they put in a cheap pump and the impeller disintegrated. It would be really helpful to do a few of the basic tests like compression and leakdown which could confirm a bad head gasket before digging into it. Even just starting it and watching for bubbles in the radiator could be conclusive.

Got any neighbors or friends who are car savvy that might help for the low, low price of a 6-pack?

I desperately wish I did, I'm the one "fixing" other peoples weed whackers & faulty outlets. always the helper never the helped.

I'll try researching those tests. can't get the car back till Monday. still trying to figure out towing without paying another arm and leg (once again, I usually was the one doing the towing oh well)