Yikes! my accord has bad head gasket - need chicago area shop!

[njmodi]

So... i just bought my 2002 EX 5spd 10 days ago.. it's been parked at my house since I was waiting to do some basic maintenance (oil/plugs/cabin filters/etc.)... before I started driving it daily..

well when i did the oil change, the oil had a green coolant tint to it - i was like oh sh!t...

I popped the radiator cap and there's chocolate milk in there... of course, the seller had put in fresh coolant and oil right before showing me the car - so there was no way to know... the car runs fine - no misfires, engine seems really smooth... I have not done a compression test yet...

Anyway - so now I'm debating between an engine swap (I'll just do a straight F23 swap) or just replacing the gasket...

Can anyone recommend a local Chicago/Suburbs Honda shop that will give me the best advice and do good work at a reasonable price?

The motor has 125k on it right now... so I'm learning toward a swap.

How much does a swap run usually?

Thanks all!

 

[ryan s]

has the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump ever been done? if not, might as well while youre in there, even though itll cost more.

with a used engine, you'll probably end up in the same place you are now...to be honest

 

[njmodi]

has the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump ever been done? if not, might as well while youre in there, even though itll cost more.

with a used engine, you'll probably end up in the same place you are now...to be honest

Ya - I plan on having those three changed at the same time as well as the distributor gasket, Valve cover gasket and anything else I can think off..

I'm not sure if the heads are cracked.. which is why I was debating if I should just do a full swap.. I can pick up a motor with <60k for 400-500 bucks....

Either way - I gotta find a shop first...

 

[1998accordsirt]

Dakota-K Auto Repair and Tire Center in Buffalo Grove.

Used to work there; Very skilled technicians and a good business ethic, although it is known to be somewhat pricey, however they are good at doing complete engines. 847-398-4645

 

[njmodi]

Dakota-K Auto Repair and Tire Center in Buffalo Grove.

Used to work there; Very skilled technicians and a good business ethic, although it is known to be somewhat pricey, however they are good at doing complete engines. 847-398-4645

Thanks for the recommendation... I actually ended up dropping it off at HAAS Inc... and it looks like it's time for a new engine. I'm not sure I want to go down that path... so I'm just going to sell it at a loss... I'll post in classifieds forum...