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Is the head gasket leaking?


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msaeger
User

Feb 3, 2014, 7:56 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1652 views)
  post locked   Is the head gasket leaking?  

I know you guys don't like old threads so I am starting a new one and here is a link to the one I started before about this issue.

http://autoforums.carjunky.com/Automotive_Repair_C1/General_Discussions_F5/Engine_running_cold_P153711/

2002
Honda
Civic
1.7L
177K miles

Issue was that it would run cold and the coolant would get low. Replacing the thermostat did not fix it so I brought it to a shop.

They told me the radiator was leaking and replaced that. Problem was still happening so they looked at it again and said the lower radiator hose was leaking at the engine connection. They put another clamp on there and thought it was fixed.

It ran normal for two days now today it was running hot. I have never seen it run hot before. I pull over and open the hood and the upper radiator hose was leaking at the connection. It has a spring type clamp so I moved the clamp and it stopped leaking.

It took it to a different garage today and they did a pressure test, checked the fans, and checked the temp sensors with the scan tool. Everything was ok so they drove it and couldn't get it to run hot again. Then I drove it over a 100 miles and it ran at the normal temp.

The place I took it to today is guessing a head gasket but said they couldn't know for sure without taking it apart.

I am not seeing coolant in the oil or white smoke from the exhaust is there some way to tell if it is a head gasket leak?

Air is getting in there somehow. It seems like someone will mess with is top up the coolant then it will run ok for a few days before having a problem again.

Also would you guys replace the head gasket or swap the engine for a used one?


(This post was edited by msaeger on Feb 3, 2014, 8:04 PM)


GC
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GC profile image

Feb 3, 2014, 8:16 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1645 views)
  post locked   Re: Is the head gasket leaking?  

Ahh a vital piece of information not included in the last thread. Coolant is disappearing...

There are a few different ways you can check for combustion leaks. Pressure testing, (overnight on a stubborn one, then scope into cylinder looking for moisture), block testing liquid can work well on hard to verify leaks (i dont trust it completely, as its easy to screw up), exhaust gas analyzer in coolant reservoir or radiator (expensive equipment). With a faulty cooling system for this long, I wouldnt be surprised that there is a combustion leak now, if not the original problem. Its probably going to be a pain to nail down though.


____________________________________________________
Willing to help, willing to learn... Rob


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Feb 4, 2014, 3:40 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1622 views)
  post locked   Re: Is the head gasket leaking?  

No, what we don't like you to do is create multiple threads on the same problem. It makes it impossible to follow. You can restart your own thread at any time. It's other people that we discourage from resurrecting your question after you have finished with it.

Please copy and paste this info into your original question.



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