I'm looking for suggestions here, will take it to the mechanic soon but just checking what you folks have to say. I recently changed the head gasket on the cr-v, however the radiator looses coolant, it doesn't suck back up any from the reservoir tank. Now the vehicle starts to shut off when it gets hot and if the ignition is turned off I have to wait a while before it starts back, the engine keeps turning over but doesn't start. All this happens and the temperature gauge is still in the middle. The vehicle also has coolant in it most of the times once the radiator is open, but the level drops once the vehicle is left to cool completely. The vehicle is still smoking and at times oil is seen in the radiator but no more bubbling. Could it be the head gasket wasn't replaced properly? Or could it be a faulty thermostat or water pump? Your thoughts are appreciated but like I said will get a professional to check it out pretty soon.

***Oh I forgot when the vehicle starts it idles strangely..sometimes its starts off low then goes high, or sometimes its starts off high and then goes down low almost as if its going to shut off then after a while sounds fine again.

 

id say the head gasket wasnt installed properly. As shitty as it sounds, id say take it back apart and start over... Luckily these engines are easy to work on and should only take about an hour and 4 beer to get all back apart.

 

Def think I'm convinced the mechanic didn't put it in properly now. I tried a radiator sealant to see if it could have been a radiator leak. The sealant was a milky looking colour, now a day after I'm seeing the sealant both in the engine when I take of the cap and it's also on the dipstick. Just hope it's not damaged now.