97 Integra RS, 263k miles, automatic, top end rebuild due to head gasket about 2-3 years ago.
The last smog failed once and then passes the 2nd time around after 1. 91 octane, 2) oil change, 3) new plugs.
It was losing coolant and I brought it into a local mechanic, and he discovered the coolant bypass hose is cracked, and replaced it for about $300.
Today is rainy and cold (around 40F) by our standard, and I drove the car for about 30 mins on and off prior to smog. The test has good numbers but fail visual due to white smoke in the tail pipe. The smog guy said if he passed me and someone on the street complains then he would be in trouble. He even ask the mechanics next door for a 2nd opinion and he also agree it is not condensation.
I understand that it is likely the head gasket again when the bypass hose cracked and caused some local warp, and if it is it would be another $1500 to replace, more than the value of the car. If I were to truly find out what it is, it would be at least 1-2 hr of mechanic time doing compression test, that's $100-200, then decide whether to fix or not (likely the head gasket still).
So, would you:
1) let BAR buyback for $1000 to crush it (reducing emission)
2) add a bottle of stop leak and pass, drive for another 2 years
3) repair (engine swap, already 2 head gaskets, so no more top end rebuild)
The last smog failed once and then passes the 2nd time around after 1. 91 octane, 2) oil change, 3) new plugs.
It was losing coolant and I brought it into a local mechanic, and he discovered the coolant bypass hose is cracked, and replaced it for about $300.
Today is rainy and cold (around 40F) by our standard, and I drove the car for about 30 mins on and off prior to smog. The test has good numbers but fail visual due to white smoke in the tail pipe. The smog guy said if he passed me and someone on the street complains then he would be in trouble. He even ask the mechanics next door for a 2nd opinion and he also agree it is not condensation.
I understand that it is likely the head gasket again when the bypass hose cracked and caused some local warp, and if it is it would be another $1500 to replace, more than the value of the car. If I were to truly find out what it is, it would be at least 1-2 hr of mechanic time doing compression test, that's $100-200, then decide whether to fix or not (likely the head gasket still).
So, would you:
1) let BAR buyback for $1000 to crush it (reducing emission)
2) add a bottle of stop leak and pass, drive for another 2 years
3) repair (engine swap, already 2 head gaskets, so no more top end rebuild)