Hi - back again! Need some knowledge

[phyl26]

I am the person who posted that my 91 Toyota DX 1.5L engine, the block is cracked. I said I took to my mechanic, he put in some kind of sealer(don't know brand) and I have to add water to the radiator every time I drive it, depending on how far I drive, I have to put it in before I leave home and then before I go home.(This is usally when I use the freeway. If I just drive 5-6 miles I don't have to put any water I guess becuase I have gone a short distance. There is no water coming out of exhaust now like it was before taking to mechanic.
So, what I'd like to know is if I try another sealer(not running any coolant because it would just run out with the water) like K & W sealer, I just follow directions on the can right? I don't think my mechanic drove it around at all after letting it sit. If he did it wasn't for a very long time. My other question is how long will the engine last with me having to put water in the radiator daily?

[Dave's]

How long will it last? Depends on how low it gets but mostly where is it going? If it's somehow going to atmosphere then it's just a matter of it getting so low it overheats bad enough to damage the engine. If it's getting in the oil then it won't last long. If it were still going thru a cylinder and out the exhaust it will get worse but might last a bit more. No matter what, you need to start looking for real alternatives. Another car, another engine (or block). Sorry, but I've never heard of a good as new fix for a cracked block. (And I've heard of drilling and tapping holes around a crack and bolting on plates with sealant/gasket repairs.) The operating pressures of coolant systems are usually between 14-17 pounds per square inch. This puts a lot of stress on any repair.

[phyl26]

Just driving car around town to work and back and thats about it. Not driving it if I don't have to. Guess I better start looking for a new car. The prices I saw for engine blocks plus to pay a mechanic to put one in is alot more than the car is worth. So, I guess I will drive it till it undrivable or try to trade it in if I can.

[Tercel GTS]

Look around for a wrecked one with low mileage. I bought one with a 9,000mile engine swap for only $400. Took me and another tech 5 hours to swap the engine in and I've been giving it hell everyday for a few months now.

[phyl26]

Yeah, I will definately look around. Beats having new car payments,etc. Thankx