1992 Honda Accord Head Gasket Leak

HONDA ACCORD
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DAVIDDAHLB
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1992 honda accord, f22a1 engine.

The head gasket is leaking oil out the front.
And then, the hose to the top of the radiator burst the other day when I was idling in a drive thru after a mild ride.
Sometimes when I am idling I can see the temperature gauge slowly increasing, and then when I start moving again it goes back down to normal temperature.
Are these problems related to the head gasket somehow?

I am afraid to drive it in case another hose will burst from not fixing the main problem, or maybe the radiator next time?

Thanks,
May 6, 2006 at 4:01 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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The bursting of the hose is not related to the head leak. The engine is older and hoses are neglected. They will burst but not because you have another problem to fix. I would deal with the problem at hand and by doing so you will avoid other costly repairs.
May 7, 2006 at 3:12 PM
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DAVIDDAHLB
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I fixed the hose. Is that the problem at hand you are referring to?
Should I replace the rest of the hoses then?
Is replacing the head gasket the next step anyways?
Thanks in advance!
May 7, 2006 at 7:27 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Head gasket is the next step. Think about when it is pulled off, replacing the timing belt, water pump, etc.
May 8, 2006 at 7:02 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Your comment on the hoses: I would actually replace the lower hose. You should at the very least inspect every inch of it to assess the condition. Look for any nicks, bulges, hardening, etc.
May 8, 2006 at 7:04 AM
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DAVIDDAHLB
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Thank you Bruce.

Water pump and timing belt, new lower radiator hose...any other items I should take care of while I got it apart? What is the "etc." items that you are referring to?

I am pretty new to fixing my own auto stuffs.

Thanks,
May 8, 2006 at 10:16 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Well in order to get to the stuff you need in order to take off the head, you must pretty much teardown the area where the timing covers are. Given the age, unless any of this stuff was done in recent years, I would replace the oil pump as well. It is right there too. Now, I might suggest that you get the manual for about $20 that covers what you are going to do. It can be bought online or from the local parts store. You can buy the parts online, say from ebay and not pay an arm and a leg. Seems like a lot of stuff for one simple task but get in once, get out and stay out. Simple philosophy.
May 8, 2006 at 2:36 PM
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DAVIDDAHLB
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Thanks Bruce, I'll let you know how it went.
May 9, 2006 at 2:19 PM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the leaking head gasket. While the front of the engine is apart, also replace the timing belt, water pump, and oil pump if they have not been serviced recently, and replace or thoroughly inspect the lower radiator hose and other cooling hoses for nicks, bulges, or hardening. Use a repair manual for the job.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1992 Honda Accord with an F22A1 engine reported oil leaking from the front of the head gasket, a radiator hose that burst while idling, and a temperature gauge that rises at idle then drops while driving. The expert said the hose failure was due to age and neglect rather than the head-gasket leak. After the hose was replaced, the expert recommended replacing the head gasket next and, while the timing-cover area is apart, replacing the timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and at least the lower radiator hose after inspecting all hoses. A repair manual was also recommended.

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