Overheating / New Engine ?

[BlackieCG6]

Need 6ga's feedback on this one.

Car overheated several months ago, replaced the ECT sensor and temp gauge. Months before that I changed all the belts along with thermostat and hoses.

Car overheated again on a summer nite radiator bone dry, reservoir bubbling. Added antifreeze left car on, nothing happened. Car hasnt overheated since.
Friend suggested headgasket blew but no black gunk on rad cap or white smoke from exhaust.

Lately the car has turned off while driving (dealer did key interlock recall part
# 06351-s84-000 in October 2010). Car has shut off 2 more times recently while driving.

So I went to Honda to get an oil changed today, & I told the service writer that my cars shutting off and asked about the ignition recall. He said ok we'll check it out.

Comes back and tells me I need a new engine, car is shutting off because it has no antifreeze flowing and its mixing with the oil. Rad cap now shows black gunk. Another things is i replaced my battery with them back in July & now this one was dead too (under warranty, so i didnt pay)

My thing is i believe its my headgasket which is about 400 to 500... I dont understand what antifreeze has to do with my car shutting off. Wouldnt it just overheat ?

 

[F23A1AT]

If your oil looks like chocolate milk, the headgasket is gone. There are other ways to diagnose the failure of a headgasket but that is the easiest. Also the reason your car is shutting off and not starting is because your pistons are getting washed down with antifreeze, causing the spark plugs to not sustain combustion.

 

[BlackieCG6]

If your oil looks like chocolate milk, the headgasket is gone. There are other ways to diagnose the failure of a headgasket but that is the easiest. Also the reason your car is shutting off and not starting is because your pistons are getting washed down with antifreeze, causing the spark plugs to not sustain combustion.

I'll have to check the oil, but the rad cap does have residue of oil mix.

Well the car starts up normal all the time & right after it shuts off, but that does make sense now the pistons getting washed down. If they wouldve explained that part I wouldve gotten it.

Now as far as the spark plugs wouldnt a CEL come on ?
So im right no need for a new engine just replace the head gasket

 

[Accordman722]

It sounds like a headgasket to me, F23A1AT is definatley right.

 

[F23A1AT]

I'll have to check the oil, but the rad cap does have residue of oil mix.

Well the car starts up normal all the time & right after it shuts off, but that does make sense now the pistons getting washed down. If they wouldve explained that part I wouldve gotten it.

Now as far as the spark plugs wouldnt a CEL come on ?
So im right no need for a new engine just replace the head gasket

I ended up getting a CEL for misfire on #3 but I had to keep driving mine. I warped the **** out of mine though.

 

[BlackieCG6]

It sounds like a headgasket to me, F23A1AT is definatley right.

Thats what im thinking too, no need for an engine.

I ended up getting a CEL for misfire on #3 but I had to keep driving mine. I warped the **** out of mine though.

I see

 

[JEER42]

Check your dipstick and see if the oil in the pan is mixing with antifreez too or just in your radiator. I had a similar problem but the oil in my pan was fine which meant according to a mechanic, my block was cracked since the head gasket seemed ok. Hope that's not your case though. Please let us know what happens. Good luck.

 

[BlackieCG6]

Check your dipstick and see if the oil in the pan is mixing with antifreez too or just in your radiator. I had a similar problem but the oil in my pan was fine which meant according to a mechanic, my block was cracked since the head gasket seemed ok. Hope that's not your case though. Please let us know what happens. Good luck.

damn, thanks though

Whats an average price on fixing a headgasket on our cars anyway ? I was guessing 400 to 500 is that too cheap ?

 

[F23A1AT]

Well the head has to come off, then it has to be machined. It wont be cheap.

 

[dcmystery21]

especially at honda? 500 bucks is quite low.