https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=318702

Is it ok to drive around with a leaky headgasket? Can oil just be added everytime the oil stick is low? Will the headgasket blow or anything like that????

Talk to my friend and and advise him to fix it even though it's not leaking very bad but he says he doesn't have the money....

 

if you can see oil coming out or mixing with coolant, better fix it before going long trip.

 

over heating

 

coolant doesn't lubricate well and oil doesn't work well in the radiator.

 

What is involved here?

A new headgasket, anything else? Does it involve removing the timing belt or water pump? He said he replaced his timing belt/water pump about 12k miles ago so I'm sure they could be reused.

So what is the process involve? All they do is remove the head and put a new headgasket on or what? Does it require a machine ship?

Can someone clarify and the steps, parts, involve. Thanks.


[Modified by mickey513, 2:40 AM 10/30/2002]

 

New headbolts and new headgasket. If you're careful with the valvecover gasket that can be re-used.

Off the top of my head you'll want to:

drain oil and coolant
remove header
remove cams so you can get to the head bolt
loosen timing belt

those are the main things I can remember

 

I wouldn't drive a car with a blown headgasket on a 250 miles trip. Its bound to get worse when you are too far.

 

I agree. Guess I'm driving.

So what is the worst that can happen? A blown headgasket or will it just continue to leak?

I advised him to fix it asap but he's pissed that the car only has 100k and needs replacing of the headgasket....

 

remember that the headgasket keeps Compression in, and Oil where the oil needs to be and water where water needs to be,

mix any of those and you will be screwed.

Fix it now, before you drive further than its comfortable to walk home from.

 

if youre gettin oil leaks from your headgasket.. you need to get it replaced before it blows. you wont want that, dude...

 

What is keeping you from getting it fixed?

 

if its not a blown head gasket than your fine. If its just oil leaking (nothing major) you can just check and add one qt on the trip. The water will not mix with the oil unless its a blown gasket. From my understanding, since i had old cars that leaks oil from the head all the time.

 

It's not my car. My friend's car, he doesn't have the $$$$. Plus he just had the timing belt/water pump replace not too long ago....

 

Ok guys, I convinced him to replace it. His parents are going to chip in some money to help him out. So what should he replace also when the head is off? Anything he should do or replace as while he is at it with the head off.

Timing belt/water pump, seals x3 has been replace. Anything else he should do while it's at the shop. What to do

Also, how many hour REALISTICLY should it take to replace the headgasket? I know many shop inflat the hours need to repair cars so they can make more $$$$$$

 

anyone?

 

overheating.. warped head...

not good...

 

replacing head gasket is like taking a whole engine apart. If you are not going to rebuild the engine, at least replace all the belts.