My wife has a 1997 5-speed CL that suddenly won't start. It turns over and sounds like it is going to start then suddenly dies. After doing this once, it will just crank until you let it set for a bit then it will do it again. When I turn the key to ON, I can hear the fuel pump and there is a click from the main relay. However, I noticed that the check engine light does not come on.

 

mechanic is saying this is a blown head gasket. wants $1500 to replace. does this sound likely?

 

Sounds pretty dang unlikely to me. Blown head gasket does not generally stop car from running initially. Do you still have fluid in rad and overflow, is there any foaming in oil when you check it?White mist or fog coming out tailpipe before when it was running?



I hope that's not your regular mechanic

 

I agree, I don't think it is a blown gasket that is causing your car not to start.

 

check your ignition coils or your main fuel pump relay nder sterring collum

 

can you check the timing belt?

 

i't might be a main relay problem, try tapping the main relay, it's behind the driverside kick panel, it's a tight place to get to.
Head gasket has nothing to do with your car not starting. good luck.