Overheating Problems

My 1987 Honda Accord overheated the other day. I let it cool off, replaced the water in the radiator and it will not start. I wiped off the all of the engine parts that might effect it, but it has been 3 days and the engine turns over but just won't start. Do I have big problems? What could be the problem? How do I fix it. I admit to you motorheads, I am an automotive amateur and really appreciate any help!!

any number of things could be wrong with the car now. it could be that you blew the head gasket and you are losing compression from that. you could have warped the head or block, effectively killing the motor that way. i would say to do a compression test and see if you are still getting compression in your cylinders. if you are, then start with spark and fuel to determine which is letting you down. if you arent, then i would take it to a shop and have them tell you how broken the motor really is. pretty much sucks either way, sorry to hear it.

I had a similar issue. Mine overheated when the radiator exploded. I didn't notice what was up until the car started to lose power. We stopped, had it towed. It will start, and runs very rough, with little power. It also now has a lot of soot in the tail pipe. The mechanic says the engine needs to be replaced. He says that it is probably all melted! He's quoting 600 bucks and 300 labor for a replacement engine with 6 mos warranty. he says I can have the old engine back.

Do you think its simply a head gasket? Would it be best to do the replacement engine or rebuild? Current engine had 130k on it...didn't burn a drop of oil...and had recently had a new front seal, new oilpan seal...I hate to lost that investment!!

any number of things could be wrong with the car now. it could be that you blew the head gasket and you are losing compression from that. you could have warped the head or block, effectively killing the motor that way. i would say to do a compression test and see if you are still getting compression in your cylinders. if you are, then start with spark and fuel to determine which is letting you down. if you arent, then i would take it to a shop and have them tell you how broken the motor really is. pretty much sucks either way, sorry to hear it.