Hello Engine gurus, honda mechanics,

I got a 2.3l Vtec 98 accord that blew its head gasket. oil and coolant mix. So mechanic changed spark plug, wires, had the head sent out to machine shop to get it running again. He put the head on and he said runs great....but coolant is still getting in the oil. He believes the block is not smooth enough so he is going to send the engine block to the machine shop to have it resurfaced so it is smooth again.


Question... Is this the right thing to do at this point? Can you smooth out a block?

He also said the machine shop will overhaul the block while it is out so we basically have a new bottom end, new bearings, rings, etc.

Sound like a good idea or is this mechanic costing me more problems down the road? Any input from honda Techs, engine gurus, etc.


Thanks guys.

 

sounds about right however there could also be a hairline crack in the block and/or head thats causing the leak.

 

resurfacing is one thing .... they want to rebuild the entire bottom end for a head gasket? Sounds like they want to charge you $1500 for stuff that you don't need. On the other hand, if you want to build your motor to handle more power, this is the time to do it.

 

It would have probably been cheaper to have found a low mileage used engine from a salvage yard & installed.

 

As for rebuilding the bottom end, ALL of the bearings would have to be replaced anyway. Should have been done the first time around. Anytime coolant gets into the oil, you can pretty much count the bearings out. Anti freeze and bearings do not play well together.

 

So you're saying that a blown head gasket requires a full rebuild?!? I disagree. If a bearing was spun, it's one thing, but I don't think that the OP needs to spend thousands for a job that should be a few hundred.

To the OP: How long did you drive it with the blown gasket?

 

if their sending the block to the machine shop, getting the bearings replaced is a pretty standard thing. its like the water pump--as long as you have to get in there anyway, why not do it for less hassle down the line. bearings are not hard to replace if half the engine is already disassembled.

 

My point is that the lower half doesn’t have to be taken apart to mill the top mating surface.

 

considering they have to take everything except the lower end off, removing the lower end isnt exactly rocket science from there. its basically the block, crank, connecting rods, wrist pin and piston at that point.

 

true, but that will definately add at least $1000 to the job.&amp\\;nbsp\\; I’m not really convinced that the engine even has to be resurfaced either!&amp\\;nbsp\\; The sleeves are cast iron and the block doesn’t take the abuse like the sleeves or head.&amp\\;nbsp\\; I’d almost be willing to bet that the engine is fine and only the head needs to be milled .... if that even!&amp\\;nbsp\\; This mechanic is pulling work out of the air for himself without knowing the condition of the mating surface because it’s still in the car!