I think my head gasket is gone

[CSMsi311]

I haven't done a compression test on it yet, but i've noticed the following

1.) Losing coolant
2.) small black specks in my coolant reservoir
3.) My friend was following me and said my car smelled sweet
4.) Knock sensor value on SAFC2 is around 25 at idle and 250 at 1500 rpm

My friend noticed the smell a few weeks ago. I had no clue what is was and never gave it much thought cause the car ran and i only got the normal CEL's. Plugs looked fine. Am I gonna damage the engine anymore if i drive it to your place to get it fixed? How likely is it that I may have other engine damage and how would I know?

How much are head gaskets? is it cheaper if i order it online?
Jason

[HONDA GHANDI]

It is possible to damage the rings when it is burning coolant. It starves them for oil and washes them off. It really depends on how bad teh leak is and how long it has been happening. The only way to know is to tear it down and inspect it. I can get you a price on all the parts needed for a HG repalcement tomorrow if you want.

[CSMsi311]

Thanks, I would appreciate it. How soon could you get it all done? and how much downtime should i expect?

As far as the leaking. I don't think it is that bad yet. Like I said, it was a few weeks ago when my friend said the car smelled and that was only when i was getting on the throttle. And so far I haven't had any overheating problems

[HONDA GHANDI]

Downtime will depend on if it needs internal work also. Best case scenario would be just the head gasket adn maybe a cyl head resurface that should only take a few days. If it has been a few weeks depending on how much you drive it may have already begun damaging the rings, it doesnt take much.