So...was driving along when my car started making a strange noise. a kind of rattling coming from the engine whenever i put my foot on the gas. i pulled into the nearest lay-by and when i popped the bonet steam started pouring out for a good 5 minutes or so. heat gauge was fine when i pulled in so dont think it was just an overheating problem. car wouldnt star after. i'm thinking possibly head gasket, but anyone got any other ideas? i'm really hoping its not but what sort of price would i be looking at from a garage incase it is the head gasket?
cheers
steve

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oh dear. thinking it might be time for trip to the scrap heap then!

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i would look to pay half that, tops.

its not a difficult job, do it yourself !

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Rest in peace Ben "Jam" Elvin. Gone but never forgotten.

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if it is a head gasket its an weekend for a work for a unskilled mechanic, just get a hanyes manual and full kit, a halfords can tell you which parts you need, and just take your time.

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new sig soon, JDM civic eg4 B16b spoon engine, 243bhp at 9250rpm!!!!

a rattling noise whenever you put your foot on the gas and a load of steam - the first thing i would be looking at would be the water pump, chances are the bearings could have gone (that would be the rattling) and the steam could be a build up of pressure where the water flow couldnt go through the pump escaping through a weakness in a hose (weak jubiley clip or perished hose), the water may have sprayed from a pipe onto the alternator and made the steam (they get red hot lol), ive had that before on my rs and there was plenty of steam!!

did you lose any water?

i very much doubt the head gasket was the primary cause, but that said if the engine was starved of water the gasket may have failed, check your oil filler cap and header tank filler cap and check for mayo

cheers for all the replies guys. checked for mayo and their's none. lost all my water! dunno what level it was when i started journey tho! gonna try get it down the garage when i've got a day off work and see what they say. if its head gasket i'll prob have a go myself.
thanks again and i shall update when i have more news!!

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