head gasket problem?

[phines]

You should be OK for short trips in the winter. But you will need to get this replaced before spring so why take chances. I think the repair estimate is on the high end I would get the part from Merlin mention the club for 10% discount then find a different mechanic who will instal it for a reasonable cost. You can save a decent % when you buy the parts because we get quality OEM from Merlin at a 10% discount and also the mechanic doesnt get to charge you more for the part than he paid without the discount.

Yep, and I just found out from the local Firestone sevice center that they mark up parts 25%. I saved about $1500 buying my replacement engine myself.

The only problem you might run in to is a lot of mechanics won't install customer-purchased parts. They'll feed you some line about not wanting to be liable for sub-standard parts (even if they are OEM)... whatever... Just find a local garage without that policy and you're good to go.