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The Honda CR-V faces issues with its head gasket that result in coolant leaks and the emission of white smoke. Coolant replacement is recommended every 60,000 miles, while the air filter should be changed between 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Spark plugs usually need replacement at 100,000 miles, except for copper ones, which should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Engine problems may arise, including loose gaskets needing tightening. Spark plugs may come loose, causing engine complications. Address oil leaks promptly and watch out for excessive oil consumption, which may require more frequent replacement. Overheating is a serious concern that can potentially lead to fires and even the car exploding.
When the head gasket first starts to fail, there may be no noticeable signs in the engine. Symptoms usually arise once the leak affects the engine oil, coolant, or cylinder passages. At this point, starting the engine can become challenging and it may run unevenly at idle. Leaks of oil or coolant may occur, leading to potential overheating issues. The engine oil may show signs of coolant contamination, appearing lighter than gasoline. You might also hear gurgling from the radiator or coolant tank, detect engine oil presence, or notice a burning smell. Additionally, the engine light may illuminate.
The issue lies in the groove carved into the engine block between the cylinders that decreases the surface area where the head gasket makes contact. This is a design flaw, not a maintenance issue.
My husband replaced the head gasket on our 2017 Honda CRV, which Honda diagnosed and quoted $6300 for, with only $456 being the cost of parts. They estimated it would take 19 hours to complete. I trust that my husband did the job correctly, but the warning lights are still on even after restarting the car.
The engine is overheating, with oil and water leaking, but not from the radiator. When starting the hot engine, it briefly smokes and idles at a high speed.
When a head gasket begins to deteriorate, the engine might not show any signs initially. Symptoms only become apparent once the leak affects the engine oil, coolant, or cylinders. At this point, starting the engine could be challenging, and it may run unevenly at idle. Leakage of oil or coolant may occur, leading to overheating or excessive heat. Coolant could even mingle with the engine oil in the pan.
Once a head gasket begins to deteriorate, the engine may not display any symptoms initially. Symptoms typically arise when the leak infiltrates the engine oil, coolant, or cylinders. This can result in difficulty starting the engine, rough idling, potential oil or coolant leaks, overheating, and the presence of coolant in the engine oil, which is noticeable by its lighter color compared to gasoline. Additionally, you might hear gurgling sounds coming from the radiator or coolant tank, detect the smell of burning, and observe engine light warnings.