Hi. I recently bought a 2001 Honda Accord VP with 47k original miles and tonight my engine ran hot with white smoke and I believe it has a blown headgasket. I immediately parked it and got a ride home. I would like to know if this could be possible seeing it has such low miles and how? Also what is the average cost of a replacement?

Thank you in advance!

 

If the side was coming out of the exhaust, then yes it is most likely a head gasket. Could also be a cracked block or cracked head (very doubtful). You can check the radiator for oil and check the oil for water. Not always a sure sign for a bad head gasket, but always good to look.

As far as how much to do it? Depends on what exactly is wrong. Probably (out here it is) 500 bucks just pull the head, replace the gasket and re install all of the old parts. Costs more if you have the head re surfaced, get a valve job, replace the water pump, timing belt.

If you do it, the gasket runs i think usually 80 bucks (but i don't know what engine type you have).


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Thank you for your quick response. I am just mind boggled that the car has such low miles and having this problem even after I had it inspected 2x when I purchased it. Could there be a reason why the gasket blew so quickly?

 

A number of reasons. Previous over heating, using low grade/quality fuel, hard driving, not being driven hard enough, bad air/fuel mixture, water instead of the proper coolant, improper coolant type, faulty head gasket.

still would like to know.. Where was the smoke coming from, and what type engine is in your car?


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All I know, it was coming from the left side of the engine, away from belts. It is a 2.4L 4-cyl engine, the same as the DX model. I'm not experienced with cars so you'll have to forgive my layman opinion. I just had the same thing happen 11 yrs ago.

 

That is much easier and cheaper. Sounds like you need a radiator hose (not sure which one). Where abouts do you live?


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Come to think about it, it did sound like antifreeze was leaking (started when I was in a BK drive thru). I'm in Clearwater, FL. I have a regular mechanic but I just don't want to be surprised at the estimate, lol.

 

Oh, well Florida, i can't help. Might be someone here that could help. Mechanics charge too much


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Check your motor oil for coolant contamination. It'll look milky if it is a bad head gasket

 

Thank you everyone!! Come to find out it was a leaking hose, $160 +tax fix, THANK GOD!!! I have 2-3 more that need to be replaced, not immediately but within the next 3 months.

What a sigh of relief!

 

Damn. You paid 100 bucks for that? 60 is even a little high for parts and coolant.. But if that's what you had to do.


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Yea, it was the heater hose, block to control valve. To tell you the truth I've had maintenance jobs cost more.

 

That's why i do all of my own ****, and my friends/family's. That and i don't trust shops.


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I hear ya, wish I could but can't lift anything over 10lbs. I trust my mechanic, I know he has to eat too, plus he's a great guy. Doesn't even mind me looking over his shoulder, for my own learning experience. I've brought in my own parts before and he installed them with no problems or questions. Most down here will tell you to take a hike if you do that.

 

10lbs. Yeah I'm not saying all mechanics are dirty our un reliable. Just hard to find a good trustworthy one that won't bend you over and take it from you dry with out a rubber or even some spit


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LOL. Yea, I definitely agree. Took me over 10 yrs to find him. Thanks again for the advice. You're a GEM!!