94 conti head gasket costs?

[Robert Hartling]

Can anyone tell me what the normal cost is on replacing a blown head gasket. I Just bought my 94 Continental executive from my aunt( good price $1). But the other day i heard a pop noise when I started the car after gassing up. Looked in the rearview mirror and I thought I was a space shuttle taking off with the pure white exhaust plumes form the dual exhaust. Anyway It died down to nothing after two blocks. Went straight home and let it sit for a while. Checked the coolant level and it was fine. Next morning started it up and went about 5 miles. Could not get any heat out of climate control. But the car overheated! Anyway the Ford dealer said it was probably one of the head gaskets and said it would be between $1300 to $1800 to repair! Is this normal for the cost. Or can any mechanic do this?

By the way I can't restart the car. Dealer said It could be the starter or flywheel. Starter cranks but the engine does not turn over. Any ideas?

[pro-five-oh]

Don't go to the dealer, they will overcharge you. The starter is fine, it sounds like the motor has lost compression and will never start again.

It sounds like you blew the headgasket, oil probably mixed with coolant, car overheated, the heads warped (probably) and the entire motor MIGHT need a rebuild.

You need to have an independent shop look at the motor and see if it needs a new motor. If so, find a new longblock installed that has the better (1997-up Ford redesign) headgaskets, a "decked" block and heads installed by a smart mechanic. Should run you about $1500 or maybe a little less.

If you ever wanted a new car, this is the time. If not, now is the time to get a new engine. Best of luck.