To cut my long story short, I had a overheated Honda Civic 95, that had its "Check Engine" light come on and also some *white smoke* from under the hood. I got the car checked at one car place, lets call this place A, and they checked for Hydrocarbons in the coolant and the number (i am not sure whay the number is) was really high and they came to conclusion that my head gasket needs to be replaced and they also found that my radiator needs to be replaced. Now, since they did not have expertise to change the head gasket, they waved me good bye suggesting that I should go somewhere else and find some help. That really got me concerned and I got to another car place, lets call this Place B.
Place B opened my cars hood and said, this needs radiator change. And I agreed. And told him about *diagnoses* from Place A. Place B said, we do not care what Place A says, All I see is a radiator change and I will start with that. Once I am done with that I will test to see if we need a gasket change or not. I said fine....
We did a radiator change, thermostat and stuff and was told that I am all set. I said, well so we do not need gasket change. Place B said NO. We don't. Place B added, that we did a pressure test on the engine it passed it. So, you are all set...
I am not sure what to make of it....
I guess the bug question in my mind is What test is more conclusive (hydrocarbon in the coolant v/s pressure test)? If anyone can help me with it, that be great....