Pigeon Hohl wrote:
> I have a '92 Honda Accord Wagon with 228,000 miles in immaculate
> condition, and recently passed smog with all readings well below
> average.
>
> Recently it overheated due to radiator leak. I pulled over as soon as I
> noticed steam, let it cool, and filled up the radiator, drove home.
> I replaced the radiator, and everything seemed fine for a few days.
> One morning I noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust, with the
> tell-tell sickly-sweet coolant smell. The engine still idled perfectly,
> and a couple minutes later the steam disappeared. I checked for water on
> the oil dipstick and oil cap; there was none. Also, no sign of oil in
> the radiator. I drove it 50 miles on the highway, and checked the water
> level when I returned - it was approx. 1 pint low.
>
> It drove OK for the next couple days - white smoke disappearing after
> warm-up. Today I started it and the engine ran very rough for the first
> 15 seconds, then the idle smoothed out. Now the steam was coming out
> continuously, although the idle was still smooth.
>
> Researching online, it seems that Honda engines are notorious for
> leaking/blown head gaskets after overheating. What I'm wondering is:
> In your experiences, what are the chances that it's just the gasket and
> not a cracked head or block, or a warped head? I really like this car a
> lot, and want to do the job myself (2.2L engine with A/C). I guess I'll
> find out soon enough, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
>
> Any ideas/suggestions are very much appreciated.
>
> Wish me luck!
>
> Pigeon

sounds typical. probably just gasket. unless you cooked it worse than
you're admitting.

if you're doing the job yourself, remove old gasket very carefully and
with solvents - do /not/ use abrasives. do /not/ get the head skimmed
unless it's warped.