My ‘97 Honda accord (190,000 miles) started overheating so I added coolant and replaced the radiator cap but the next time I started it the problem came back and soon the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" came on. Now the car blows white smoke out the exhaust pipe and drips water. It is also very hard to start. Has the head gasket blown and if so how much will cost to replace it? Would getting a used engine be a better ?

 

Please read what your supposed to do when you post..https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...ed-help-24592/

 

I,m now moving this post to where it should have been...

WheelBrokerAng

 

It is much cheaper to replace head gasket than replace engine.

A new head gasket and rebuilt head (don't try to skip this step or you may get to do head gasket a 2nd time). Rebuilding head is removing valve train, shave head perfectly flat, check cylinder head for cracks, reseat valves, and install new valve stem seals. It should cost $250-$350 for head rebuild.

Cylinder head removal/installation is probably 5-6 hrs labor ($80) or $400-$480. I have no idea what book hrs for this job are, so could be higher. This is my estimate.

Total estimate becomes $650-$830.

If you have mechancal skills, this is not a terribly difficult DIY, but not the place to begin your DIY experience.

good luck

 

And don't forget adding new timing belt and water pump components if you're going to have the head gasket replace, or you can find a good used engine from $300-500 and pay someone around $400-500 for installation.