My friend was driving my 1990 Integra LS and it overheated. I checked the oil level and it was okay but the radiator was dry. I was able to start the car, it starts very rough but drives okay. I drove it across the parking lot to the car port and filled the radiator up with water. Now when I try to start the car is pisses all the water out from behind the engine. Car won't start either. My guess is a cracked head or head gasket. What do you guys think? Is it worth fixing or should I junk the car? What price range am I looking at?

 

Blown head gasket and warped head/block. Probably looking at replacing the motor.

 

I agree, probably at least the gasket and head. Either way the head has to come off and further diagnosis will have to be done. Where are you located?

 

thats why i never let my friends drive my car

 

It could be a gasket or the head, but I had a similar prob. before and it was niether. There is a small circular plug that goes right into the engine. I can't remember what it's called though. Something plug.... Sorry. But anyway, it's just a small metal cap that goes into it, usally located toward the side of the engine toward the back. You might want to check into that. it's kinda hard to get to and put back in but you can do it yourself and the cap is usually only a few bucks at any auto parts store. My old car did the same thing when it was low on fluid, it over heated and the pressure of the air inside blows the cap out. Then when you try to put more fluid in it wont stay in cause it just comes right out, usually hitting the hot engine and creating a bunch of steam too. I realy wish I could remember the name of that stupid plug, it might be the radiator plug but I don't think so since it goes into the engine. But again its a small metal cap about the size of a half dollar and is shallow in depth. Make sure you put the cap in while your car is cold though or you will burn the shit out of your fingers putting it in. (took me twice before I waited) It also needs to be put in very tight so you'll have to find a way to either hammer it in or use a crowbar to push it in place.

 

Update on the plugs name, the freeze plug. Thats the name of that stupid thing. You might want to check that before you take the entire engine apart. Just look around the sides of the engine, not too sure where it would be on an integra, and look for a hole. That's where the freeze plug goes.

~~~ From Auto Zone ~~~
Freeze Plugs
Acura Coupes and Sedans 1986-1993 Repair Guide

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
If plug needs to be removed,

Raise and safely support the vehicle, as required.

Drain the cooling system. If the freeze plug is located in the cylinder block, it will be necessary to remove the drain plug from the side of the block to make sure all coolant is drained.

Drill a 1/2 in. (13mm) hole in the center of the plug. Remove the plug with a slide hammer or pry it out with a prybar.

Be careful to stop drilling as soon as the bit breaks through the plug to prevent damaging the engine.

Clean all dirt and corrosion from the freeze plug bore. Check the freeze plug bore for damage that would interfere with sealing. If the bore is damaged, the bore will have to be machined for an oversize plug.

To install:

Coat the plug bore and the freeze plug sealing surface with water proof sealer.

Install cup-type freeze plugs with the flanged edge outward. The plug must be driven in with a tool that does not contact the flange of the plug. If an improper tool is used, the plug sealing edge will be damaged and leakage will result.

Expansion-type freeze plugs are installed with the flanged edge inward. The plug must be driven in with a tool that does not contact the crowned portion of the plug. If an improper tool is used, the plug and/or plug bore will be damaged.

Replace any drain plugs that were removed and lower the vehicle.

Fill the cooling system, start the engine and check for leaks.

 

I am in San Diego. This next weekend I will jack it up and take a look. Where do I look for the head problem?

 

Here is what it would look like

 

Does any one know of someone cheap that will fix it or swap the motor? I don't want to spend too much on it. It is a secondary car that I only paid $2K for. It is a coupe five speed and the air still worked good. Maybe if it is too expensive I can dump it for around 500-700.

 

Did your car start when the plug was out? My car won't start. Well, it did once. Than when I filled up the radiator it just leaked out.