Hi, im the new guy.
 

Name is Redd - SoT. I'm a desert rat from Tucson that is now located in South East Tennessee. Polk County. I'm an industrial painter by trade, which means I paint metal - and cars! I have extensive knowledge of body work and refinishing. Industrial painters are like house painters, but instead of drywall and spackel i use a miller 250 MIG and 16 gauge sheet metal. My current rides are a 2004 Honda Civic EX D17a2 1.7, 2007 Jeep Liberty 3.7, 1999 Ford Ranger 3.0, 1992 Dodge 2500 cummins turbo diesel weld rig, and my current project which has been on he back burner with my Civic acting up 1985 Ford Ranger 2.8. Currently my Honda has been having overheating issues, after replacing all of cooling system I have come to the conclusion that my head gasket has blown. 159xxx miles. I've ordered a block tester which amazon should have to me by Wednesday. I appreciate the opportunity to be around a like minded community that could be insightful. Any paint, body, weld questions i would be happy to answer. Thank you gentlemen and ladies, drive safe.
Redd - SoT.

Re: Hi, im the new guy.
 

Welcome to the forum!

Re: Hi, im the new guy.
 

Good luck with the head, welcome.

Re: Hi, im the new guy.
 

(edit)

I didn't intend to post this reply here. I don't see an immediate way to delete this. Admin feel free to delete it.

Hello from 2019

I’m shopping for a used 8th gen Civic (2006 - 2011) looks like it would be a dandy cheap reliable car. I’m looking for 2010 - 2011 model years to avoid the R18 engine cracked block issue, but lots of nicely kept 2006 - 2009 I would consider except for uncertainty about the engine.

Questions:

1) I understand late 2009 and later model years don’t have the cracking issue. Did Honda make changes to the R18 engine block casting design or casting process to solve the cracking problem? If so is there any way to inspect the engine (i.e. serial number) on a given car to determine if it is the improved engine?

2) I believe I had read on another thread that the cracked engines all came out of one factory somewhere here in the US if I recall. I’m not positive but I believe I read that somewhere. Is there a known range of engine serial numbers on the 2006 - 2009 model years to avoid?

3) Is there some kind of database available from Honda with VIN for cars that have had the engine replaced under warranty? Do I just call Honda corporate with the VIN to check on this? Anyone try to do this?