So a co worker of mine has a 1997 Civic LX with 250k miles and it has died and doesn't want it anymore so I told him I would take it off his hands and said its free come and get it......

THis is what I know about the car...His wife has been having to add coolant every few days so there is a coolant issue and the final day the car overheated so she pulled over let it cool down and then re started and off she was but then the car overheated again and died...... So she had the car towed back to the house and there it sits. She did try to start the car once it got home and it started right up so......

So most likey I'm looking at a blown head gasket what else could it be? Looking to turn this car into a daily driver for me instead of my F250 PSD. The car has been in several fender benders but nothing major so it doesn't look the best but a new head light and tail light will help the appearance.

Thanks

 

Welcome. Let's see some pics of your project! We can definitely help confirm your diagnosis.

 

I will actually see the car for the first time on Sunday so I will take some pictures then. Feel free to give me some ideas on what the problem is.....

It wont be as nice as my last Civic which was a 99 Civic Si which I regret selling but.....

Thanks

 

Driving until the engine stops due to overheating usually means you'll need a new engine. But there is a chance a new head gasket could get it working again. There's even a very small chance it was just a leak to outside and there's no problem with the engine itself at all. First test to do (after checking the oil for coolant contamination, and filling the cooling system completely) would be to rev up the engine with radiator cap off and see if there is any bubbling of exhaust gas out through the cooling system. That would mean the head needs to come off to investigate the leak inside the engine.

 

Speaking of new engine what engine is in the 1997 Civic LS I know it's a 1.6 but what is the engine that I would be looking for so when I'm doing my searching I know what I want....

Thanks

 

Well I saw the car this past weekend and condition of the car is what I expected..... Needs a tail light, headlight, and hood and pass fender but nothing is needed body wise that would be just the first things I would do after I know its up and running.

I checked the oil and no coolant in the oil will be doing more test this weekend when I get it towed to the shop.

Todd

 

I know it's been awhile but finally drove the car home today!! Turned out to be a leaking water pump and a bad head gasket.... So the car now has a new head gasket, water pump, timing belt, tensioner belt, new plugs and a fresh oil change. Oh the car also had a broken transmission mount too so that got replaced.

Nice to know friends that run a shop so I was given a good deal all of it was done for $600! I post pictures tomorrow but the interior is in great shape just need to shampoo the carpets. Exterior a little rough but it's just going to be a commuter car so no big deal.

Todd