Chemical fixes

[William]

Hello, my name is William and I have a 2001 Honda Civic Ex. It began, approximately 8 months ago, to have overheating issues. I had taken it for approximately a 1&1/2 hour drive and it began to overheat. Now, a little more background for you, the car has a rebuilt trany, and a salvaged engine that supposedly had around 90,000 miles on it. After putting that engine into it, I have since put on about 20,000 miles over 1&1/2 years. I have recently changed trany fluid, replaced a thermostat, flushed the cooling system. My problem is that I keep losing coolant with no visible leaks. I took it to someone who does engine work as a hobby and we concluded that it was probably a head gasket issue, because we could find no visible leaks and the coolant reservoir continues to inexplicably fill. Also, there seems to be quite a bit of pressure in the system when I remove the radiator cap and the coolant kind of fizzes a little. The car also seems to miss now and then while going down the road. I was wondering if anyone can with any confidence recommend an internal coolant leak product(Bars products is what I seen) for this repair or if I should stay away from that, given the age of the car and complications further down the road? If anyone could look at these symptoms and say with any certainty that it is a head or cylinder issue? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know if a better manual is out there besides the Haynes book in my posession.

Thank you for your response and time. William

Topic

[Its me]

I have heard good things about Blue Devil, although I have never used it and don’t really believe in fixes in a bottle.

This may fit your criteria for a cheap fix for a not too expensive car…. Maybe it will work…. :cheer:

Read the reviews here… Some are quite interesting..

[college man]

I would do a block test to confirm a head gasket.
Then replace the head gasket.

[Stian Wexal]

A big warning to that bottle! The text on the bottle says all about gasket sealant (blue Devil).

Do as college man says…..

[Bill]

Problem with sealant is that you might end up changing a radiator,heater core and head gasket.
Spend a little more time and diagnose it correctly. It will cost you less in the long run.

[MARK FELDSTEIN]

William, you’ve gotten some sage wisdom here from these guys and I second their suggestions to test further and then if the head is leaking, replace the gasket.

Also, at this point it might be a good idea to check your used engine warranty, if any, and see if that might be of use to you as well.
Sparks.

[William]

Thank you for the recommendation, I will look into it.

God Bless,
William

[William]

Collegeman, thank you for your recommendation. I have two questions for you now. Why did you recommend doing a block test (was there something specific I described or is it to rule out the head gasket)? The second question is how do you do a block test? I am going to look in my Haynes manual and see if Eric has anything posted on the website, but anything you could provide would greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for taking the time to give me your thoughts.

God Bless,
William

[William]

That is why I hesitate to put anything in, especially given the age of the car. Thank you for your response.

God Bless,
William

[college man]

This test will confirm a head gasket issue. when you described the excess
pressure and fizzing.Also when someone tells you its the head gasket without
any testing or visible evidence. I like evidence before spending money. You
can rent this at an auto part store.

[William]

Thank you, I remember watching the vid about the block tester, I just did not remember Eric calling it by that name. I found it at my auto part store, but I don’t think they rent it. I appreciate your input.

William

[William]

Hey Sparks, thank you for your input. I wanted you to know that I have no warranty left on this engine. 12mon/12,000miles is what I had when I purchased it. The timing may look like I had some time left, but just trust me, I don’t. Besides a block tester, would any of these symptoms warrant any other tests that you could think of, because it seems pointless to test any further and put all my funds towards gasket replacement. Also, with head gasket replacement would you pull the engine and have it milled? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
William

[MARK FELDSTEIN]

Hi William. I reviewed the posts so far and haven’t seen any mention of a pressure test. Now that’s something you should be able to rent or borrow at the parts store. To test, just run it up to 16 pounds and look for leaks front to back. Check heater hoses, check inside the passenger side, check the freeze plugs on the block, thermostat housing, all other hoses and clamps, top and bottom connections on the radiator AND test the cap itself. Pull your plugs and check for signs of moisture.

Then, leave it on overnight and see what you get in the A.M. If it drops, you’ve probably got a slow leak and I’d strongly suspect the head gasket. At that point, once you get the head off, you need to check it for flatness/warpage along with the top of the block. On inspecting it, you may actually see places where the gasket didn’t seal properly and left a tiny gap where coolant got through.

While you’re really getting into it, I’d check your cylinders and pistons for scoring and heat damage, look for problems with your rings too.

If you guys find the head is warped, then yes, get it machined/milled back to flatness. Check out the videos on replacing HG’s College Man gave you earlier.

You’re quite welcome. Stay frosty. ;>) And stay in touch you’ll get it nailed.
Sparks

[Author]

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