Honda Car Forum

Okay, I have read all the discussions about Hondas and white smoke and
have heard similar stories to mine but not exactly like mine so here
it is: Last week I was driving to work and notice that every time I
accelerated my car that there was white smoke, nothing else at first
just a lot of white smoke. Continued on my journey and the first time
I hit a hill on my commute I had TONS of white smoke and my engine
seemed like it was really struggling so I took it to the Honda
dealership. I told them that there was white smoke coming out of my
car and that I did have an oil leak, I didn't know if they were
connected or not but would like it fixed along with an oil change.
They checked and indeed I did have an oil leak and need to have my O-
Rings and Valve Cover gasket replaced. They fixed these things and I
was on my merry way. Got about 5 miles stop and go traffic into my
drive home when the smoke started again only this time there was a
rattling involved and I smelled oil buring. I called the dealership
and they told me to bring in back in the next day and that I should be
just fine driving home. So I drove it home and had a friend check my
car just to be on the safe side about driving back to the dealership
and he discovered that I had very little oil in my car! He added some
oil and I smoked my way home and then the next day to the dealership.
The dealership looked over my engine and said that there was nothing
to be done I needed a new engine since there was oil in the spark
plugs and valves. They did tell me that conceivably I could drive the
car around for another two years as long as I check my spark plugs and
oil level. I don't understand the problem. Can I not get my engine
fixed rather than replaced? Does it sound like the headgasket? Also
my car does not overheat in the slightest (it was in the 90's out here
the day all this started) my friend checked my temp gauge and it's
working yet no overheating like everyone else I've talked to. My oil
isn't milkly and my antifreeze levels seem fine, it's just the oil.
Sorry this is so long thanks for listening and any advice given

Also the mileage is 154,450but the engine is only 2 years old with
about 40,000 miles on it, it was rebuilt by honda.

On May 29, 2:35 pm, Lena Fields <Lena...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Okay, I have read all the discussions about Hondas and white smoke and
> have heard similar stories to mine but not exactly like mine so here
> it is: Last week I was driving to work and notice that every time I
> accelerated my car that there was white smoke, nothing else at first
> just a lot of white smoke. Continued on my journey and the first time
> I hit a hill on my commute I had TONS of white smoke and my engine
> seemed like it was really struggling so I took it to the Honda
> dealership. I told them that there was white smoke coming out of my
> car and that I did have an oil leak, I didn't know if they were
> connected or not but would like it fixed along with an oil change.
> They checked and indeed I did have an oil leak and need to have my O-
> Rings and Valve Cover gasket replaced. They fixed these things and I
> was on my merry way. Got about 5 miles stop and go traffic into my
> drive home when the smoke started again only this time there was a
> rattling involved and I smelled oil buring. I called the dealership
> and they told me to bring in back in the next day and that I should be
> just fine driving home. So I drove it home and had a friend check my
> car just to be on the safe side about driving back to the dealership
> and he discovered that I had very little oil in my car! He added some
> oil and I smoked my way home and then the next day to the dealership.
> The dealership looked over my engine and said that there was nothing
> to be done I needed a new engine since there was oil in the spark
> plugs and valves. They did tell me that conceivably I could drive the
> car around for another two years as long as I check my spark plugs and
> oil level. I don't understand the problem. Can I not get my engine
> fixed rather than replaced? Does it sound like the headgasket? Also
> my car does not overheat in the slightest (it was in the 90's out here
> the day all this started) my friend checked my temp gauge and it's
> working yet no overheating like everyone else I've talked to. My oil
> isn't milkly and my antifreeze levels seem fine, it's just the oil.
> Sorry this is so long thanks for listening and any advice given

Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
in the piston, but more than one???????

You need a second opinion, for sure.

> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
> in the piston, but more than one???????
>
> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
would be better to buy one of their cars.

Lena Fields wrote:

>> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
>> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
>> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
>> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
>> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
>> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
>> in the piston, but more than one???????
>>
>> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>
> They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
> investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
> to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
> would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
> except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
> would be better to buy one of their cars.

You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a shop
specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
over a grand.

On May 29, 1:34 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
> Lena Fields wrote:
> >> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
> >> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
> >> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
> >> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
> >> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
> >> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
> >> in the piston, but more than one???????
>
> >> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> > They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
> > investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
> > to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
> > would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
> > except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
> > would be better to buy one of their cars.
>
> You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a shop
> specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
> over a grand.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Really? That's all? My husband in calling around has gotten the
close to the 3 grand mark from other shops around here. Honda offered
me a used engine for the $3,000, I shudder to think what a new one
would run. Do you think it could be fixed though, my current one? Or
is it hopeless?

Lena Fields wrote:
> On May 29, 1:34 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
>
>>Lena Fields wrote:
>>
>>>>Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
>>>>gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
>>>>that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
>>>>struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
>>>>could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
>>>>getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
>>>>in the piston, but more than one???????
>>
>>>>You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>>>>- Show quoted text -
>>
>>>They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
>>>investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
>>>to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
>>>would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
>>>except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
>>>would be better to buy one of their cars.
>>
>>You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a shop
>>specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
>>over a grand.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>>- Show quoted text -
>
>
> Really? That's all? My husband in calling around has gotten the
> close to the 3 grand mark from other shops around here. Honda offered
> me a used engine for the $3,000, I shudder to think what a new one
> would run. Do you think it could be fixed though, my current one? Or
> is it hopeless?
>


Go the JDM route. It will prove to be the simplest and most effective
action.

JT

Lena Fields wrote:

> On May 29, 1:34 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
>> Lena Fields wrote:
>> >> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
>> >> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
>> >> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
>> >> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
>> >> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
>> >> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
>> >> in the piston, but more than one???????
>>
>> >> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> >> - Show quoted text -
>>
>> > They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
>> > investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
>> > to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
>> > would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
>> > except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
>> > would be better to buy one of their cars.
>>
>> You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a
>> shop
>> specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
>> over a grand.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> Really? That's all? My husband in calling around has gotten the
> close to the 3 grand mark from other shops around here. Honda offered
> me a used engine for the $3,000, I shudder to think what a new one
> would run. Do you think it could be fixed though, my current one? Or
> is it hopeless?

Have him call some of the smaller specialty shops. The ones that will do
the job for a flat rate.

I had a 6 cylinder replaced in a 97 Caravan for $1000 including all parts
and labor. A used JDM is inexpensive, and will last for a long time. Most
likely longer than your motor would if you had it rebuilt.

On May 29, 4:25 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
> Lena Fields wrote:
> > On May 29, 1:34 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
> >> Lena Fields wrote:
> >> >> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
> >> >> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
> >> >> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
> >> >> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
> >> >> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
> >> >> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
> >> >> in the piston, but more than one???????
>
> >> >> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> >> > They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
> >> > investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
> >> > to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
> >> > would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
> >> > except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
> >> > would be better to buy one of their cars.
>
> >> You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a
> >> shop
> >> specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
> >> over a grand.- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> > Really? That's all? My husband in calling around has gotten the
> > close to the 3 grand mark from other shops around here. Honda offered
> > me a used engine for the $3,000, I shudder to think what a new one
> > would run. Do you think it could be fixed though, my current one? Or
> > is it hopeless?
>
> Have him call some of the smaller specialty shops. The ones that will do
> the job for a flat rate.
>
> I had a 6 cylinder replaced in a 97 Caravan for $1000 including all parts
> and labor. A used JDM is inexpensive, and will last for a long time. Most
> likely longer than your motor would if you had it rebuilt.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

He has called around, Honda said that in fact they have no clue what
is wrong with my engine so they said it just needs to be replaced. We
found a guy on craigslist that said he could replace the engine for
$500 labor and 600 to 700 for the engine. His auto shop said they
could do it for 1000 to 1700. I also need my rack and pinion (yet
another issues but unrelated) replaced and everyone says 700.

Lena Fields wrote:
> On May 29, 4:25 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
>> Lena Fields wrote:
>>> On May 29, 1:34 pm, Joe LaVigne <jlavi...@hits-buffalo.com> wrote:
>>>> Lena Fields wrote:
>>>>>> Well, there is definitely a mystery here. if there was just a leaky
>>>>>> gasket/o rings (in the cam cover, I assume) in the first place, then
>>>>>> that shouldn't have led to white smoke when accelerating or engine
>>>>>> struggling. And not to engine death the next day. And, god knows what
>>>>>> could possibly lead to oil in "the spark plug**S**" One cylinder
>>>>>> getting oiled up, sure, could be anything from a valve seal to a hole
>>>>>> in the piston, but more than one???????
>>>>>> You need a second opinion, for sure.- Hide quoted text -
>>>>>> - Show quoted text -
>>>>> They said it was all four cylinders. They said they didn't
>>>>> investigate the smoke problem since I said I "thought" it was related
>>>>> to the oil leak. But from what I've read since that point the smoke
>>>>> would have been gray not white, right? They didn't go into detail
>>>>> except to say that I need a new engine to the tune of $3,000 so it
>>>>> would be better to buy one of their cars.
>>>> You can get a used JDM engine for much less, and have it installed by a
>>>> shop
>>>> specializing in Japanese cars. All told, you'll probably be out a little
>>>> over a grand.- Hide quoted text -
>>>> - Show quoted text -
>>> Really? That's all? My husband in calling around has gotten the
>>> close to the 3 grand mark from other shops around here. Honda offered
>>> me a used engine for the $3,000, I shudder to think what a new one
>>> would run. Do you think it could be fixed though, my current one? Or
>>> is it hopeless?
>> Have him call some of the smaller specialty shops. The ones that will do
>> the job for a flat rate.
>>
>> I had a 6 cylinder replaced in a 97 Caravan for $1000 including all parts
>> and labor. A used JDM is inexpensive, and will last for a long time. Most
>> likely longer than your motor would if you had it rebuilt.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> He has called around, Honda said that in fact they have no clue what
> is wrong with my engine so they said it just needs to be replaced. We
> found a guy on craigslist that said he could replace the engine for
> $500 labor and 600 to 700 for the engine. His auto shop said they
> could do it for 1000 to 1700. I also need my rack and pinion (yet
> another issues but unrelated) replaced and everyone says 700.
>
please find yourself a decent mechanic. anyone that says they have no
clue so just replace the engine, is too stoned to be worthy of your
business. for comparison, call around some of the honda "2ner" shops
and ask for quotes from people that actually /like/ hondas.

and the steering rack, if it actually does need replacing, is easy if
the motor's out. shouldn't cost $700.