-DJD-

Here is the run down:
2005 civic sedan 1.7 5spd.
SO I have been battling a coolant issue as can be seen in the notorious coolant/overheat thread. I have already done the following:
Head gasket
Decked head, and had the head rebuilt
Thermostat
Radiator
radiator cap
hoses
Prior to the overheat TB/WP about 20k before.
The issue is that the radiator continues to push coolant out of the overflow tank, and I see evidence of this on the hoses and in the battery tray.
Compression is 120 on all 4 cyls
Leak down shows cyl 4, 2, 1 at 20% leak, and Cyl 3 at a fluttering 40%ish. From what I have read, I need another new HG. What gives! Soon after I did the 1st HG, I did have an over heat issue. No coolant in oil, or vice versa.
My questions are as follows:
1-I have read that a person before retightened the head bolts, issue resolved. Has anyone experienced that? Opnions on re-using bolts if I do a HG?
2- I am seriously considering just doing the gasket again. I used a Honda gasket the 1st time. Is there a better one to use?
3- Who has used copper coat, and what was there experience? My one friend swears by it.
4- I have hear rumors about coolant changing color if there is exhaust gas present in it and that there is a test for that? What are your expirences with that?
I have to say, after this issues is resolved, I am selling this car. I cant sell it as is w/o disclosing the issue, and would hate to do that to someone, but I am over this car.

Ohmega

iTrader: (1)

1- I believe the person you're talking about never torqued the head bolts to spec, which is why he had to re-tighten them.
2- OEM is best in this case.
3- For the love of god, DO NOT use mechanic in a can (copper coat, stop leak). These attempt to band-aid the problem and mostly result in failure and more damage than previously.
4- The coolant itself doesn't change color. There is a tool called a "Block tester" it looks like a turkey baster. You fill up the tool with a special fluid, and if hydrocarbons are present in your cooling system, the fluid changes color. Tool is available at Autozone, advanced auto parts, etc.

-DJD-

Thanks for the reply. I have done a lot of reading and do not see good results with the canned crap, as I suspected. As for copper coat, I planned to put that on a new gasket, any expirencce with that?