cracked head 6 months ago now cracked head

[powayroger]

So earlier this year, Honda replaced my heads on my 2008 civic (It had 93,000 miles). Honda had a problem with cracked heads for a series of years so it was covered under warranty. So this morning, heading to work, the civic started to get hot (200 degrees top) so I switched the heater on and brought the temp down to the 193-195 ranged and limped it to the dealer. Originally they said the radiator cap was defective, but further investigation shows it to be a blown head gasket which is covered under the warranty for the original cracked head.

SO a new engine again. I just wonder what caused the cracked head.

 

[CT8]

An engineering F.U.

 

[NHGUY]

There goes the "Hondas last forever without repairs" thought process...

 

[Chris142]

200 is not hot

 

[zuluplus30]

The head gasket probably went because of an improper head replacement. Usually if the head isn't milled flat again before installation or torqued improperly, the head gasket is the sacrificial lamb.

Your topic is kinda misleading. Did the new head crack again or just the head gasket blow? Also your first paragraph says something about a new engine? Surely they aren't replacing the whole block for you over a blown head gasket?

 

[user52165]

Where was your car made? USA or Japan?

 

[NMBurb02]

200 F is hot for a Honda engine?!? I get to 220+ in stop and go traffic in the current SoCal heat wave in the GP. I've read that the GM electric fans don't kick on until 226 F and only go into high at 235.

And you got a new engine after catching a blown head gasket before the engine overheated?

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: user52165
Where was your car made? USA or Japan?

 

[Dave Hess]

My 2007 Civic with 150K miles has been trouble free, only maintenance.

200° F coolant temp is 'normal'

 

[steveh]

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/...ivics/index.htm

 

[Kuato]

Doesn't matter if 200 is not hot, or if someone else's Honda runs at 220. He still has a failed head gasket. Sheesh.


powayroger, was the same block used after the first cracked head, or was the entire engine replaced? If it was just a new head, then maybe the block is not true* and that caused the second failure. If it's not a new block, then maybe they should machine it prior to installing another new head on a (possibly) bad block.

If it was a new block, then I'm sure I don't know.



*(warped, uneven, whatever other term a BITOG lawyer is going to insist on here)

 

[AKhan87]

How are getting those specific numbers? Did you have something connected?

And 200 is normal, I get that all the time in my 1zz-fe equipped vehicles, never an over heating or head gasket issue.

We have a 06 civic with no issues ever.

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted By: 01_celica_gt
And 200 is normal, I get that all the time in my 1zz-fe equipped vehicles, never an over heating or head gasket issue.


200 degrees F isn't even to the boiling point of plain water at atmospheric pressure.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
200 F is hot for a Honda engine?!? I get to 220+ in stop and go traffic in the current SoCal heat wave in the GP. I've read that the GM electric fans don't kick on until 226 F and only go into high at 235.

your temps are exact. Hondas dont like to get that hot but 200 is normal.bout 23 is when things start to come apart on a honda

 

[Greasymechtech]

So, dealer replaced a head when they should've replaced the block????? and issue repeats??? Too funny! Exercise that warranty.

I'd make sure that the new engine has a new water pump, new thermostat, new radiator cap, and new 50:50 coolant. I'd even consider a higher ratio of water(if winter temps allows)55-60% and add in a bottle WaterWetter, PurpleICE, KoolIt, or HyperKuhl...

Keep an eye on oil level and use the thinnest oil allowed for your engine... 0w20 or 5w20??? preferably in synthetic. I'd even try a larger oil filter to increase oil capacity a few more ounces.

I also would install an all aluminum radiator.... and maybe see if the radiator fans can be upgraded.

And, if there is a sound proofing engine cover, remove it and toss it on the garage shelf. If it insulates sound, it insulates heat.

Trade it in for a Corolla, Sentra, 3, Focus, Cruze, Forte, Elantra, or ...

 

[powayroger]

Sorry all> Today it was a blown head gasket. It's hot in San Diego. We hit 106 where I work. Regarding temps, my civic NVEVER goes above 195. Normally in the 186 to 193 temp range

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
200 is not hot


Guess it depends on the engine. I can't find an operating temperature for my Ford Focus, but my Jeep 4.0L (and all of them) is happiest 210-220.

 

[dareo]

If you get a brand new engine out of it you could probably sell the car for top dollar and get something else. The new Accords get nice discounts,.9% for 60m financing and an excellent engine.

 

[Quest]

Originally Posted By: powayroger
Sorry all> Today it was a blown head gasket. It's hot in San Diego. We hit 106 where I work. Regarding temps, my civic NVEVER goes above 195. Normally in the 186 to 193 temp range


Aside from emotional ranting: your posting title is downright misleading.

Fact is: whoever did the original crack cylinder head replacement @ the first place didn't do that great of a job, which ended up 2nd time round with head gasket leaking.

With almost all engine makers doing away now with metal sandwich head gasket type (instead of the moly based coated type) on typical alu to alu or alu to iron block configuration, these metal sandwich type of head gasket is not very tolerant/forgiving to that of days of yore, esp. if the engine surface is uneven and/or chipped/cracked, etc.

Your option is to bring it back to that stealership and file a complaint.

Q.