What to look out for?

[puzzlemaster94]

So I'm looking into a 2000 Accord Sedan for a little daily while my V6 goes 6-speed. Or I may just part it out, either or.

It's has:
Leather Interior
F23 5MT
202,500 miles
Supposedly no rust, as it's a Texas car

The guy says there is a "leak from the headgasket". He says he has taken it to multiple mechanics and they says nothing is wrong with it, but he knows something is wrong. I'll check for milky oil, overheating, smoke etc.. He also states a leak from the power steering reservoir, but that's not much to worry about. It has paint fade just like my old paint on the coupe.

The timing belt is unknown at this point. He says the water pump was replaced last year and the slave cylinder as well. It has terrible paint, scratches, little dents, etc...

Other than checking for the clutch, damage, maintenance, leaks, rust, etc.

Just asking aside from all of the normal used car things for things to look out for on an F23?

Thanks for the time, and sorry if I missed a thread about what to look out for.

 

[james'99]

I don't know why anybody would change the water pump and not the t-belt. Water pump is timing belt driven. That would be odd as usually they are done together. Heck, the timing belt kits come with water pumps!

As long as the power steering leaks are high and not low, that should be good. Most expensive component up top is the pump. $100 for aftermarket pump. You can change it in 10 minutes.

Compression test may shed light on the head gasket story. You don't just leak coolant. Unless he isn't leaking and he is losing coolant? Idk, was the system bled when the water pump was done?

If it makes good compression and clutch is good, I think it'd be a good car. F23s are reliable and I like to call 'em pretty bullet proof but all Honda motors are!

 

[puzzlemaster94]

I don't know why anybody would change the water pump and not the t-belt. Water pump is timing belt driven. That would be odd as usually they are done together. Heck, the timing belt kits come with water pumps!

As long as the power steering leaks are high and not low, that should be good. Most expensive component up top is the pump. $100 for aftermarket pump. You can change it in 10 minutes.

Compression test may shed light on the head gasket story. You don't just leak coolant. Unless he isn't leaking and he is losing coolant? Idk, was the system bled when the water pump was done?

If it makes good compression and clutch is good, I think it'd be a good car. F23s are reliable and I like to call 'em pretty bullet proof but all Honda motors are!

I'm betting he did replace the belt, because the water pump was replaced. But who knows. I don't think the headgasket is a issue, I'm betting something is leaking like the valve cover gasket or something along those lines which isnt much. He says it doesn't overheat. I'll have to do a compression test when I go look at it.

Thanks for the info man

 

[james'99]

I'm betting he did replace the belt, because the water pump was replaced. But who knows. I don't think the headgasket is a issue, I'm betting something is leaking like the valve cover gasket or something along those lines which isnt much. He says it doesn't overheat. I'll have to do a compression test when I go look at it.

Thanks for the info man

Definitely buddy! If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Obviously inspect the plugs while they are out. If it burns some oil, okay, to be expected at a motor of this age as long as compression is good. One thing that made a big difference on my motor was running half a can of sea foam in the crankcase for 15 min. before an oil change. Driving 50mi might do even more. I burn barely any now. Less than half a quart in the past 5,000. Mobil One Gold cap 5w-30 with the complimenting filter.

 

[Jordan_H]

Valve cover gasket is probably it. I just replaced it on the accord I bought last week. Took 10 min and cost me $10 online and took only a couple days to get to my house

 

[james'99]

Did he specify if oil or coolant was leaking?

 

[puzzlemaster94]

Did he specify if oil or coolant was leaking?

I don't think he knows. He just says a leak, but a very small one at that. I asked if it was oil and he said "it's a headgasket leak". I expect a bit to be burned also. My 212,000 J30 burns oil about a quart every 1000. My rings and valve seals have to be gone. Might try to run some seafoam and see if that helps. Haven't done that, might help with this car also

 

[james'99]

I don't think he knows. He just says a leak, but a very small one at that. I asked if it was oil and he said "it's a headgasket leak". I expect a bit to be burned also. My 212,000 J30 burns oil about a quart every 1000. My rings and valve seals have to be gone. Might try to run some seafoam and see if that helps. Haven't done that, might help with this car also

Yeah, It can't hurt!

 

[xci.ed6]

Run a compression test to check the rings.

 

[kn0x47]

If a head gasket is leaking then it'll be a major leak. Check where the radiator hoses meet the motor. I used to have a small leak where the top radiator hose met the motor. Just needed a new hose and clamp. Also the oring behind the distributor is known to leak and causes oil build up on the bottom of the distributor. Not a big deal but there is a heater hose under there that can eventually burst if it gets too oil soak. Easy fix though