Vitara Blown head gasket and idle problem

[unco_elf]

I over heated the engine and was blowing smoke. So I took it to the local mechanic and he told me it wasn't worth getting it rebuilt, and told me to buy 'seal up' and use that as a fix. He told me that everyone will say it will block up my radiator . But I used it And now at idle it's below 1000 and when I put my foot on the accelerator it back fires!

Any help on how I can fix this would be a great help

Thanks

[lay80n]

Idle should be below 1000rpm normally. As for the backfire - you have a motor with a blown head gasket and your asking why its not running right The "seal-up" stuff you used is just a band aid solution. Chances are it might not even have worked. Repair the motor properly.
What model Vitara etc - why is it not worth repairing?

[V.W.Dave]

WOW really..... Some workshops need to be shut down.
Vitaras are well known for cracking heads. If you jump on ebay you can get a new head for $500 swop over all your valves/cam and replace the gaskets and away you go.

[unco_elf]

its a 93 lwb, not sure if i want to put any money into it as i have none (uni student). I will jump onto ebay, would it be that hard to swap everything like you said, valves etc...?

thanks

[V.W.Dave]

If you know what your doing. Taking the head off and moving everything over (new VRS kit) and get the head back on and the zook running would only take a few hours. That is if you know what your dloing and have all the tools. If you don't then not only would I not suggest you do it without help it could turn into a few day ordeal. Its a easy job just takes a little time. I would suggest finding one of the guys off here and find someone local to you get the VRS kit the new head order some Pizza or put on a BBQ with a few cases of piss and mabey a few $$ for the lucky person and watch and help out. Should be done in a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

[V.W.Dave]

Where in NSW are you?

[lay80n]

As Dave said, where are you. There might be someone local that knows how it all goes together that can help you out.

Layto....

[unco_elf]

Im in NSW on the central coast in Kincumber. I was talking to my old man and he said one of his mates knows what he's doing. But thanks for the suggestion anyway. You guys are great for helping me out.

[rocnut]

I got a complete head for my 93 vit about a year ago from suzi four wreckers in west sydney for $150 0298330216. jason

[unco_elf]

Just finished putting the head back on and everything was sorted, but then as soon as I put it in gear the engine started to splutter and shudder! The head was machined and tested for cracks all was fine. The radiator was tested for carbon monoxide and there was none. All the timing is right but I'm back to square one. Does anyone know what it could be?

[sierrajim]

I'd suggest that you take it to Jamie way at the 4x4 specalist 0414 807 899 he's just up the road from you in Charmhaven.

You could very well have any one (or combination) of a hundred different things wrong with your car.

Is your engine light on at all? even just for a second when the "problem" occurs?