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Engine head work needed?

Tiny
IASKALOTOFQUESTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HONDA INSIGHT
  • 1.8L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 290,000 MILES
So, I was looking to buy a car. Normally I'm never looking at cars with work needed but the insights have exceptional MPG and they're rare and hard to find.
The one I have found currently in my area says it needs "engine head work". I asked the guy, and he said it shouldn't be a big deal, but I don't know what it means exactly, what it would cost, how to fix it, etc. I am aware there could most likely be multiple options of issues so if all can be explained I'm happy to read.
If I know how big of a deal it is at least I can judge that and weigh the options properly while informed.
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Sunday, April 28th, 2024 AT 7:25 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

This is a tough one to answer because I have no idea what happened to cause damage. Does the engine run at all? Also, did he indicate anything about the timing chain? I ask because if the chain broke or jumped time, the engine will likely have bent valves and other internal damage that will get very expensive to fix. All Honda engines are interference engines except a couple V6 engines.

On the other hand, with the number of miles on the present engine, is it even worth fixing? You may be better off replacing the engine with a known good one.

Regardless, I would be happy to help you in any direction you want to try (engine replacement or repair).

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 28th, 2024 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
IASKALOTOFQUESTIONS
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  • 4 POSTS
He didn't mention anything about a timing chain and the ad doesnt say if the engine runs or starts at all, I could ask him about it though. The only reason I want to avoid replacing the engine is its a hybrid and I don't know how hard it would be to find a new one or even one with less than 200k on it for a 2000-2006 model. They still make insights but they're very different from what they were. I actually am not even sure what model the engine is right now, I could easily look that up though.
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Monday, April 29th, 2024 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I would find out if it does run first. However, here is what I would recommend. If you have access to a scan tool, scan the can-bus to see what kind of codes are stored. That may help point us in the right direction.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you don't have a scanner, often times the nationally recognized parts stores will lend one to you. It's just a thought and may provide us with a lot of information.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, April 29th, 2024 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
IASKALOTOFQUESTIONS
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This is the reply I got last. Perhaps it makes more sense to you cause to me I don't know what he means, heh.

"Cam gear is good cam aligned with crank all good with cam off. If I pressurize the cylinder I get leakage. Could be blown head gasket? Not sure /a"

Unfortunately, I can't easily get to the car to do the scanner thing. It's just a listing on the internet and it's a couple hours' drive away for me. However, that's a very good thing to know for if/when I go see this or other cars in the future and I may have to pick one up even for personal use since I've been wanting to learn to fix cars.
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Sunday, May 5th, 2024 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the timing was correct. However, there are four cylinders. As far as a leak down, any engine will very slowly leak. It has a lot to do with how quickly it happens.

The best way I can say it is this. First, buyer beware. Second, if I was unable to inspect it myself and my son or daughter wanted it, I would recommend they continue looking.

Please understand, that is my personal recommendation, and you don't know me from the man on the moon. LOL. I don't want you to miss out on something that is good, but I can't tell on that info. It is vague and leaves multiple questions in my mind.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Joe
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Sunday, May 5th, 2024 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
IASKALOTOFQUESTIONS
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I would be looking at it before buying for sure I would never take something I haven't even looked at. I would have to make the trip to see it before I agreed to purchase, and I would take someone who knows more about cars than me to inspect it, and honestly, I should still get that scanner thing and take it too.
I just wanted to try to get some.I guess pun intended. Insight before I did anything. I am certainly being wary here. I appreciate your advice and recommendation. Sure I don't know you but you have taken the time to help me and I appreciate it.
Thank you.
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Sunday, May 5th, 2024 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You are very welcome. If you have the chance, let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing. Also, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Take care and good luck!

Joe
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Sunday, May 5th, 2024 AT 8:25 PM

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