Bad head gasket symptoms

[chrisri]

Originally Posted By: Avery4
Is the head gasket, block or head likely the issue?


Most probably it's only HG and cylinder head that's damaged. If head is only wrapped and not cracked it's repairable and can be reused.
In any case double check engine block too.
You have to understand that in no way a healthy modern engine should overheat, you probably had issues with engine before it actually manifested.
Don't rush into things, second hand engine could be best option. Anyway best of luck!

 

[SnowDrifter]

Didn't read the thread but here's what I would to do diagnose it.

UOA look for coolant
Pressure test cooling system
Leak down and compression test cylinders
Visually inspect for external leak

When you take the head off, check for warped head and block with a straight edge and feeler gauge. Machine as needed

 

[Avery4]

I fixed the problem (radiator failure) and it no longer overheats or leaks. Would I be better off replacing the head gasket and head and hope the block has not been damaged after checking it with a straight edge, or just getting a junkyard engine and (hopefully) not have to mess with the head, replace gasket or worry about the block being messed up? What is the block made out of? Is the block likely cracked or warped? Would you attempt to replace head and gasket and hope there is no damage to block? Are any head gasket repair additives worth a ****? I do not see how they could work under that much pressure, but what do I know? how much would a machine shop cost to measure and resurface the head? How much is a head at the junkyard? Would you attempt to repair the engine, or just get a junkyard one?

 

[Leo99]

What's the downside to hoping for the best and doing nothing? Of course, you could breakdown far from home but other than that, I would let the head gasket blow before I changed it preemptively unless I was sure it was leaking and causing more damage to the engine.

This kind of repair is beyond my shadetree mechanic scope. How much is the car worth and how many miles are on it to make doing this kind of repair sensible vs putting the money towards another car. You might be able to buy another Civic for not much more money than fixing yours. Get some repair estimates.

 

[Nate1979]

What was the result of the combustion gas test of coolant? Is the HG leaking?

 

[Lubener]

No oil contamination. If combustion gases were entering the coolant system, the engine would run rougher than normal. When mine blew, the coolant recovery bottle was overflowing due to the pressure.Start with a new cap, it should be bleeding the pressure down after shutdown.If the head gasket were blown, the pressure which had buit up would bleed down thru the combustion chamber along with coolant.