Help -- advice needed!

[Sixgore]

Hello -- I hope someone can weigh in on this... My '92 Civic died on me while driving. I rolled it to the mechanic who was luckily just down the street, and he said I needed a new ignition. Then a few hours later he said he found (and showed me) a burned-out circuitboard (he called it the "computer"). And that I need a new one of those, too. So now he says I need both the ignition AND the computer replaced.

My question is: Is it possible that both do not need replacement? Maybe he misdiagnosed re: the ignition, got me to sign for a new one, then found out the real problem was the computer, and now he's going to get me for both even though only the computer is the problem.

Sorry if anyone is offended by how suspicious I am, but I have been burned badly before. Never been to these guys, and I've been told that NYC cars with out-of-state plates (mine are from NC) can sometimes be considered easy targets.

ANY advicer/info would be greatly appreciated.

btw the bill for the new ignition, plus a new engine-block gasket, was $360. Is this reasonable? A used computer is $250. Fair? The labor for that is not stated yet.

THANKS!

[Greenblurr93]

why do you need a head gasket? and just tell him to replace the computer first and if that fixes the problem then tell him not to worry about the ignition. and no a used computer should be no more than 125 depending on what trim civic yuo have.

[Pavlo]

Yup, don't do anything yet. Where was this so-called "computer" located at? It should be on under the passanger right side carpet.
By the ignition, I am guessing he means the coil, distributer cap, rotor and maybe sparks and wires.
Sounds like you are being played though.

[Sixgore]

Thanks for the responses. I need a new gasket (though gasket might be the wrong word -- it might be more like a seal?) because it does look like it's pretty much gone. Oil leaking out down the underside of the engine from the seam.

As for the ignition, I think I am screwed because I signed for him to do the work. But then he found the fried computer... I figure he's already done the ignition though and he'll say too late to change that even though replacing the computer could have made the ignition unnecessary. Can I say the misdiagnosis was your fault, so take out the new ignition, try with the new computer, and if it works, I'm only paying for the computer installation?

Yes, the computer looked like it had been under the passenger seat carpet.

I did find a used computer for $80, so yeah, they are definitely ripping me off. They initially said a new one was $800, then found a used one for $250. So I said hold off on that I will look for one myself and like I said, found one for $80.

It's good to have more info now. Thanks.

[Pavlo]

A few questions, what car do you have?
And what does he mean by "ignition", it is a very broad system, with many parts to it.

[Greenblurr93]

he may only need the rubber o ring on the dizzy...