2 questions (H. gasket/Shop Reccomendation)

[93 XLE V6]

Hey guys, I've got a dilemma. My Camary all of a sudden started missing. So bad I had to park it and have it towed to the steal er... dealership. They are telling me it's a blown head gasket and will cost $2700 I know that's WAY too much and need some input. Should I take it to a reputible shop in my area? If so, does anyone know of a shop I can trust in the L.A. area? I have had a overheating problem a few times and have had the radiator, radiator cap, plugs wires, timing belt, water pump etc. all replaced since I've had the car. It has over 138K. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Casey

[MCTOY]

Casey,
Get yourself a good manual, and do it yourself. It's not very hard. You should probably have the head checked/machined since you've had overheating. With the work you've already had done, your car has ALOT more miles in it, so definitely worth it.
MCTOY

[Ikon]

I second that if you're somewhat mechanically inclined diy. Replacing the head gasket is a very minor repair, just make sure u read the manual once over have a knowledgeable friend and have the right tools and parts at hand. Do it on the weekend in a garage.

Otherwise take it to a different shop. The dealer's price is obviously way over what you could get it done for. Check on the sc3's forum if you wanna find a good shop in la.

sc3 -> southern california camry club
www.teamsc3.com

[93 XLE V6]

Thanks for the advice. I personally don't think it's the head gasket. There aren't enough symptoms for me to beleive it. It feels like a plug wire or two have come loose and it's missing. The coolant isn't leaking and the dipstick doesn't look milky like the coolant is mixing with the oil. It ran fine and then one morning I went out and drove it about 1/8 mile then it started missing. I would think there would have to be quite a lot of coolant leaking into the cylinders for it to make the cylinder not fire. I don't have the time to mess with it myself due to work.

[mcelligott]

2700 makes sense for that since they probbaly added in the machining of the heads (assuming they were warped). Labor prices = a MOFO!

[93 XLE V6]

Thanks for the replys. I went back to the dealership and had my car towed to a guys shop who checked it out and said it only needed a tune up. They don't call them stealerships for nothing. Runs like it did before. Thanks again!