2003 Honda Element Blown Head Gasket

KDELTADAWN

MEMBER
2003 HONDA ELEMENT
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

Started missing some on starting but would clear up almost immediately, white smoke from exhaust pipe also would clear up quickly. CEL came on; Dealership said water in gas tank; drained tank & additive to gas; on way home temp gauge pegged to Hot, back to shop, said wasn't truly hot; replaced pressure plug; this morning would barely crank but once it did, cleared quickly but white smoke billowing from exhaust and temp again pegged on Hot. Now they say blown head and head gasket, ~$1500 to replace.
Is any of this likely and if so is price reasonable? Just have no confidence in them now. Have spent $400 already and car worse than before.
Thanks!

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Go get a general mechanic to do a head check, this is a simple & quick chemical test to check for exhaust gasses in the cooling system, if so this will prove a head problem, as for cost, this is a bit high but the exact cost will be unknown until the head is off and all damage is diagnosed,

mark (mhpautos)