Leaks.
Sitting long periods is hard on cars.
Bad for gaskets, and seals.
MAKE SURE THE ENGINE IS COLD WHEN YOU CHECK THE COOLANT, when hot, the coolant system is under pressure, opening the cap when hot would cause a geyser of hot sticky liquid to spray all over you.
To check what your stain is.
Coolant for your car is a greenish color.
Take your finger tip and touch the stain, and rub your finger and tumb. It will feel slick and will be hard to wipe off with a rag.
Now smell it, coolant has a fish smell.
And if you're really brave, tap your finger on the front part of your tongue (not on the tip of your tongue, that's the wrong type of taste buds) it will have a sweet taste, that's why cats and dogs go after it.
Can the head gasket go out with no reason or warning.
Yes, again sitting for a long time is bad for gaskets. Cars are machines.
Machines do 2 things, they work and they break.
I wouldn't worry too much about a problem with the head. Honda makes some pretty tough engines.
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 8:01 PM