Hello, I have a Honda pilot 2006 204,000 and around July of 2023 my car overheated but after that I did not experience any issues. A few months later I got a p0430 code and that stayed like that with no issues for a few months and I didn't fix it since it's expensive and I live in TN so no state inspection and also it was not affecting anything when I drove (at least I think I am not a car expert). A few months after p0430 code I randomly got multiple random misfire. It was on and off for a bit and then it became more prevalent. The only thing that happens is the car will get a bit shaky, and might hear like slight pounding sound near exhaust and that would last anywhere from 10-30 seconds and check engine light will blink. When spark plugs where changed it stopped for like a few weeks and then it would come back. I then took it to a mechanic and most thought it needed a valve adjustment and I ended up going to a mechanic that worked on the valves but said the gap didn't seem to be an issue and said he did a leak down test which he said it was a blown head gasket. He said it's better for me to let the car die (I didn't see any signs that he's just trying to get money from me, he even gave me my money back. So now I am driving the car until it dies but not sure if this the best decision? I can't tell if what I smell when I turn the car on is sweet smelling or gas, but that is the only symptom of a blown head gasket that I see. The only other one was I noticed coolant going down in the radiator (which I only put a bit like every 2 weeks or a month). I don't see it mixing in the oil, or fogginess in the oil cap, or white smoke lasting longer than warm up time coming out of exhaust. I don't really know how to get my hands dirty so the only option would be a mechanic unfortunately. What do you guys think? I just think it's weird that it runs so perfect after the first 10-30 seconds of turning the car on. If it's not worth it how long will the car last?
Well I forgot you a leak down test. I would assume that he did it correctly and he has the right diagnosis. With that kind of mileage. It's pretty typical on those engines. And if you wanted to try, you could try some of that bars head gasket sealer. They sell the auto parts store cost about 28 bucks. It's worth a try
Hi Scotty, great to hear from you, but he told me not to use head gasket sealer because it is snake oil and does more damage than good, should I do it only if it gets really bad?
Hi Scotty, great to hear from you, but he told me not to use head gasket sealer because it is snake oil and does more damage than good, should I do it only if it gets really bad?
Scotty doesn't usually revisit topics he has already answered.
Yes, those are snake oil products but if it's the choice between that and the junkyard they can provide some temporary relief while you make arrangements for a replacement vehicle. (Scotty has reported some success with the Bar's Leaks head gasket product in the silver bottle.)
If you decide to try it be sure to follow the instructions precisely to maximize the chance of success and minimize the chance of clogging up your cooling system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ7KFmg6Y8E
