1999 Honda Accord Possible Head Gasket Problem?

Tiny
GHOULISHSOUP
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Honda Accord 6 cyl Automatic 97000 miles

A few months ago I had a routine oil change for my Honda. Maybe a week or so later my car started to act up. The engine would make a rumbling sound and the whole car started to shake. I checked the oil and there was barely any in the engine. I took it to the local dealership and they ran full diagnostics on the car. They said that there were no conclusive problems at that time, so they replaced the oil and the filter and said bring the car back if the problems continue. Sure enough not even three weeks later the rumbling sounds and shaking came back worse than before. So I took the car back to the dealership for a second run of the diagnostics. This time they said that the engine had been leaking oil into the radiator and that I would need to replace both for the problem to stop. However, they also said that the car would run if I kept replacing the oil and replacing the coolant about every two weeks. I was doing that for a while, when I was on my way to work one day and the car literally stopped working at three different stop lights.I had to idle it into a parking space, and have it towed the next day since it would no longer start. When I looked under the hood I saw that the coolant hose had dislodged and had sprayed the engine with coolant. Since replacing both the engine and radiator would cost more than the car is worth, I started asking around to see if maybe there was another solution. I talked to a few friends who dabble in cars as well as a few guys who used to be mechanics. Oddly enough, they all said the same thing after looking at the car. That I just need to replace the head gasket and get both the oil and coolant systems flushed and the fluid replaced. I am really lost because I have no car know-how, so any help, advice, estimates, or all of the above would be greatly appreciated!
Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 11:18 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Your friends have given sound advice and I would add that when the engine is torn down for inspection of the cause for this issue, that you ask yourself if this car is worth it. I am in no way trying to cast doubt on your car, Honda makes an excellent product, I am just trying to put perspective on your concern. Having said that, I would also consider complete engine replacement as a POSSIBLE solution, there are advantages to this method, one being that we do not know the extent of the damage to your engine, and replacing it with a known good used unit could extend the life of your little car for many miles/years, do you agree?
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 11:37 AM

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