Blown Head Gasket
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Blown Head Gasket
Hi,
I have a combustion leak/blow head gasket.
Symptoms are pretty mild so far. Coolant is black in the expansion tank, but looks normal in the radiator. Hasn't overheated. Drives like it always has done.
Driving until I can get something else.
Does anyone know if I'll get any warning signs before it finally goes? Or is it likely to suddenly go without warning?
Thanks
I have a combustion leak/blow head gasket.
Symptoms are pretty mild so far. Coolant is black in the expansion tank, but looks normal in the radiator. Hasn't overheated. Drives like it always has done.
Driving until I can get something else.
Does anyone know if I'll get any warning signs before it finally goes? Or is it likely to suddenly go without warning?
Thanks
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Re: Blown Head Gasket
Why do you think you have a blown head gasket?
Typically the exhaust gases push the coolant out of the rad and overflow the bottle
Typically the exhaust gases push the coolant out of the rad and overflow the bottle
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The cooling system is a closed system, so if there's coolant getting into a cylinder the cylinder is burning off the coolant through the exhaust (most noticeable at cold start). If it's a small leak into a cylinder then it may burn off while the engine cools off and you won't see a white cloud (and a coolant smell) from the exhaust at cold start. However, either way the engine will experience coolant loss. Have you needed to add coolant to it?
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Inside the expansion tank developes buildup over the years that creates a brown/black appearance. I have removed and cleaned a couple and it's hard to get that buildup off completely. You may want to do a compression test? If two adjacent cylinders are low on compression it means there's a tear in the gasket between them.
Last edited by Wankenstein; Dec 19, 2021 at 12:43 AM.
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With these engines if it's not losing coolant it very doubtful (but not impossible) there's a headgasket leak.
When you did the coolant pressure test did you use a boroscope to look down into the cylinders for coolant?
If not, what method did you use?
Last edited by Wankenstein; Dec 19, 2021 at 12:49 AM.
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Sorry, thought I'd mentioned it.
Basically, I put air into the cylinders and watched the coolant level with a funnel. There's a video demonstrating it. The coolant level rises one of the cylinders, proving a combustion leak.
Basically, I put air into the cylinders and watched the coolant level with a funnel. There's a video demonstrating it. The coolant level rises one of the cylinders, proving a combustion leak.
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Okay. You did a modified version of a leak down test minus the leakdown guage itself. Straight compressed air in to the cylinder, radiator cap off, watching for air bubbles in the coolant in the radiator neck/funnel in radiator neck. Did you do it with the pistons at TDC or BDC ?
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Thanks. I had a feeling he was following that video. It would be beneficial to do a compression test and/or leakdown test for compression on it prior to removing the head to isolate whether it needs just a head gasket or has compression loss also that a new head gasket won't fix.
Possibly a head-gasket vs engine replacement decision if there's compression loss through the piston rings.
Possibly a head-gasket vs engine replacement decision if there's compression loss through the piston rings.
Last edited by Wankenstein; Dec 19, 2021 at 11:40 PM.
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Only just saw this. Appreciate all the feedback. I'm thinking motor has almost 250K on it. So if it's head gasket. and I get it fixed, I still got a high mileage engine. Quote I had to do HG, Timing belt and water pump was around $1000, as long as the head is ok. If not, I'd have to find a good head to replace it with. It's not a Vtec, so if I do revive it, I'd probably wanna put a vtec engine in. I know, either way, there's a gamble but I just can't think it's a good idea replacing the HG, with an engine that's that old and high mileage. My mechanic will an engine swap for about $550, so I could put another motor in for not much more than $1000.
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If you do the work yourself it could be done for $200-250. Head gasket, timing belt kit, and taking the head to a machine shop for that price. You are correct though, still a high mileage engine that likely burns/leaks oil.
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Another option is if it's running well and not overheating then keep driving it until the engine develops more issues such as a misfire due to compression loss. Keep a close watch on coolant level in the radiator and reservoir once a week minimum. Buy the cheapest universal coolant for top-ups.
If the temp gauge rises above normal set climate control to max heat, fan on high. Especially at stop lights.
When the engine eventually takes a **** then replace it.
If you drop in a D16Y8 (vtec engine) you will need an EX model ECU and wiring harness.
If the temp gauge rises above normal set climate control to max heat, fan on high. Especially at stop lights.
When the engine eventually takes a **** then replace it.
If you drop in a D16Y8 (vtec engine) you will need an EX model ECU and wiring harness.
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Born and lived in Florida (and Singapore 4 years) until my wife and I moved to North Carolina two years ago. Just your average American ******.
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if you decide on engine replacement, just get an engine, start working on it, oil rings included.
When the time comes, engine will be serviced and costs spread overtime
When the time comes, engine will be serviced and costs spread overtime
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