Bruce.Ringler

Hi there

I have a 2005 Civic, 242,000 miles. Driving to work this week the temperature gauge "jumped" to H and then back down, I pulled over and checked the engine

- Engine was not hot
- No leaking antifreeze
- Overflow / reserve was full
- Radiator was 1/2 full
- Radiator fan works

- Have original Radiator
- Have original Thermostat
- Have original Water Pump
- Have original Radiator Cooling Fan

I took it to dealer, they said it was head Gasket, about $ 3000, I questioned this because I have full power / compression with motor, but could be possible.

Any ideas?

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Yep, head gasket. It's a common problem on 7th gens. Looks like you're went the distance at that many miles.

ezone

head gasket.

Bruce.Ringler

From what I am reading, it is HG

I am taking it to another shop for a 3rd opinion, can't hurt

What is the worst case, I have to fill radiator every other day until fixed?

Reverb2005

No, I would say that worst case if you let the engine overheat and warp the head so the new HG doesn't fit and you need a new engine.

Just be careful not to let it overheat, better yet, don't drive it until it's fixed!

ezone

You only need one smart person that knows how to verify and prove it's really the problem. It's not difficult at all if one knows how and is intimately familiar with this failure on this particular engine.

And you need to quit driving it.

mikey1

why?

if the third opinion says its NOT the head gasket, are you going to believe them?

Bruce.Ringler

Ok, I took the Civic to a Honda Shop recommended by staff at work, $ 100.00 Compression Test and a replaced Radiator, $ 370.00 total. So, No Head Gasket replacement.

We'll see, already run 4 days in heat and holding

ezone

Keep your eyes open for this to happen again.

Go make sure the radiator is completely full.... and I'd mark the coolant level line in the reservoir with a Sharpie and keep an eye on it, make sure it has returned to the same level every morning before you start the car up.


It may take several hundred miles for the symptoms of low coolant level to show up if the combustion leakage rate is very slow.

Bruce.Ringler

I know, I still question a cheap repair,

Bruce.Ringler

Ok, you were right, after 5k with a new radiator, overheated, so looks like head gasket.

The shop I went to, Honda specialist in Maryland, wants $ 1100 to replace head gasket, but warned that once the engine is removed and open there could be other heat damage, in addition to 247,000 miles on the trans, so, until making a decision, I check the radiator weekly and keep it full.

B.



2005 Civic Coupe

2010 Pilot 2WD EX

2011 Accord Sedan 5 Speed Automatic EX

2013 CR-V AWD LX

mikey1

why do they need to remove the engine?

ezone

^I totally missed that^
Wow.


If the engine has 247k miles I might want to pull pistons and stuff new rings in it due to oil consumption.