1995 Toyota Corolla Engine stops after heat indicator shows

GETPREM

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Hi,

I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla v4. I am changing the oil regularly every 3000 miles and neat maintenance.
Yesterday evening while I am driving all of sudden I got the Engine check indicator on, then Heat indicator show high then car stopped immediately. On the middle of the road, I don’t know what to do. Then I have started the car, it starts then I drive 0.3 miles to stop at the mechanic shop. This morning mechanic said, the core plug is failed, antifreeze is leaking, he estimated totally around $400, which includes (core plugs, head gas cut and labor).
Now I have no choice to move the car from that mechanic to another mechanic.
Could you please suggest what I have to do.

I really appreciate your help.

Thanks
Prem

5 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

If the freeze plug is leaking, it must be replaced, the cooling system flushed and replace the thermostat.
Also check all hoses for bulging/cracking.

If the engine gets too hot for too long, you take the risk of blowing a headgasket or warping a head.
This will cost significantly more than $400 to fix.

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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 AT 9:07 AM

GETPREM

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2 POSTS

I really appreciate your rapid response.
To make clear to me,
Now I have to change the coreplugs
I have to change the head gasket
I have to change the hoses from the radiator to the engine.

Do I need to change the radiator also. If so how much it costs me. Do you have repair shops in East Rutherford, NJ, 07073 area.
If so please provide the details, I will be happy to get my car there for future repairs. I will recomend to my friends also.

Thanks
Prem

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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 AT 10:03 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

You need to change the freeze plugs as you indicated they are leaking. Do not change the headgasket unless it is leaking, you can find out by having a compression test performed.
I would not change the radiator unless you see it leaking. If the hoses are original, I would change them.
After the freeze plugs are replaced, have the cooling system flushed and new coolant added and also change the thermostat.

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Thursday, September 25th, 2008 AT 8:55 AM

GETPREM

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Hi,

Thanks for the reply. But it was little late for me. Just before I have pick the car from shop. Mechanic changed the headgasket ($72) and two core plugs ($25) and other small parts($40) and labor($235) total $377 charged.

He suggested, " Your vehicle is 110000 miles, so you need to change the timing belt and other tune up". That will cost again another $800.

I am not sure what to do. Do I need to do Maintenance repairs for 100000. What needs to be done.

Thanks for your time ahd prompt response.

Thanks
Prem

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Thursday, September 25th, 2008 AT 10:32 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

The timing belt should be changed at 60,000 mile intervals. If you have the original timing belt, yes it should be changed. I would also change plugs and wires every 30,000 miles.

Shop around for a better price, the price for the headgasket was certainly reasonable.

I would ask him what he is changing for $800.

He should have ask you about the timing belt when he changed the headgasket, since he had to remove the timing belt to change the headgasket.