Hello Scotty,
I have a 2003 Honda Element with 190,000.
it’s never overheated, but my coolant level in the reserve overflow pretty much empties after about 700 miles. Radiator is full. There are no outward signs of coolant on the ground or anywhere else. And no codes. No sign of coolant on oil dipstick. Car regularly maintained.
Any input would be appreciated.
OH btw if needed would using that BLUE DEVIL solution in the radiator for head gasket issues be a good idea?
many thanks,
Rick
There are no outward signs of coolant on the ground or anywhere else.
The coolant is either leaking somewhere or burning in the engine. There are no other choices.
And no codes.
There are no "codes" for coolant loss.
if needed would using that BLUE DEVIL solution in the radiator for head gasket issues be a good idea?
No, at least not if you want to keep the vehicle as long as possible. Those "sealers" are pretty much snake oil and just temporary if they work at all. They can also plug up your cooling system and cause more problems. They don't really "fix" anything. The only way to fix a blown head gasket is to replace it.
That thing is 21 years old. You can bet there are deteriorated rubber hoses, possibly even corroded core plugs. Pressure test and/or use UV dye to find any leaks. If none are found test for a head gasket leak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDuGeQnMOzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U8Iyf0kk4
corroded core plugs?
Yes, those can corrode especially if the cooling system is neglected.
If it is the head gasket, would replacing the coolant in the overflow every 700 miles or so be ok, or am I just delaying the inevitable?
If it's the head gasket you'll wind up losing the engine down the road.
FYI, THE mechanic did Try the blue devil, but since that was done
Did he determine that the head gasket was at fault? If so the stuff didn't work, which is a common result.
would prefer to keep the car without spending 2-3k.
If the head gasket is blown the only way to avoid spending that much is to do the job yourself. The gasket itself is not expensive, most of the cost is labor. I'd say it's not worth spending big money on a 21-year-old Honda Element. It's getting up there in years, what other expensive repairs are waiting for you? How much longer do you reasonably expect it to last in return for spending thousands of dollars in repair work?
Basically can I milk this situation by keeping the coolant level in the radiator and reservoir full, and be ok for an extended period of time?
Not likely.
Amazed at it being a probable head gasket, as it has never overheated?
Head gaskets can blow for many reasons aside from overheating.
However, it is not clear that sufficient diagnosis has been done to determine for certain that the head gasket is the source of the problem. Have you performed the suggested testing in the videos?
I was asking what are corroded core plugs?
You know, the metal plugs used to plug the holes left over from when the engine block is cast. Sometimes mistakenly called "freeze plugs". Being sheet metal they can corrode through over time especially if cooling system maintenance is neglected.
Actually replaced the spark plugs a second time after the blue devil fiasco,,,as fluid fouled the plugs and couldn’t start the car the next day. Fluid may of been coolant?
It would have to be for that gunk to reach the plugs. That's pretty good evidence that the gasket is shot if it really was Blue Devil on the plugs and not just carbon fouling.
Obviously don’t know for sure but don’t expect any major repairs. Assumed this car would give me at least 300k miles…hope to keep it a few more years.
Not a chance in you-know-where if it really has a blown head gasket.
Still need to COFIRM with these tests you mentioned
Let us know what you find. Bear in mind that the head gasket test looks for combustion gases in the coolant, but there are other ways a head gasket can fail.
Is the correct level In between min. and max lines or at the minimum level line?
it has to be stated in your manual.
Usually the 'COLD' level when it's cold. 'HOT' level when its hot.
Thank you.
corroded core plugs?
If it is the head gasket, would replacing the coolant in the overflow every 700 miles or so be ok, or am I just delaying the inevitable?
FYI, THE mechanic did Try the blue devil, but since that was done,,,,the radiator was then replaced (it had cracks) now thinking the radiator was the problem,,,,but no, still loosing coolant like I said above (after 700 miles),,,,,,,,,,,,,would prefer to keep the car without spending 2-3k.
Basically can I milk this situation by keeping the coolant level in the radiator and reservoir full, and be ok for an extended period of time?
Amazed at it being a probable head gasket, as it has never overheated?
sorry for the many thoughts here, just trying to make an informed decision
I have a friend with a 2010 Accord 4-banger that had a generic radiator replacement. It was crap and leaked within a couple of hundred miles if not immediately. The second replacement started leaking within the year. Generic radiators for a popular brand sucking? Common.
Head gaskets can go south with acidic coolant. Depending on the coating of the head gasket. Toyota hybrids had that problem until 2014-15-ish.
Good luck, I like the Element and hope it hangs out with your for another 200k.
Thank you FutureSoCal,
Fairly confident the radiator replacement is of good quality. We shall see. Think coolant is ok, it’s the 50/50 universal which was used many years ago when water pump was replaced.
Thank you.
I was asking what are corroded core plugs? If you mean the spark plugs, they were replaced.
Actually replaced the spark plugs a second time after the blue devil fiasco,,,as fluid fouled the plugs and couldn’t start the car the next day. Fluid may of been coolant?
Since all that about 1000 miles later and 700 miles since radiator replacement, the only issue is the loss of some coolant in the reservoir,,,filled it today, it took less than I thought. Hard to see fluid level in reservoir.
mechanic seems to be unsure, but thinks if head gasket,,,it is a very mild leak.
Obviously don’t know for sure but don’t expect any major repairs. Assumed this car would give me at least 300k miles…hope to keep it a few more years.
Still need to COFIRM with these tests you mentioned….Think AutoZone will let one borrow their head gasket test, and hopefully they sell the dye pressure test.
Again a BIG thank you.
Thank you
Car was maintained well especially oil changes regularly, coolant changed at least twice.
If the head gasket test turns out OK, are you saying one can still have a head gasket problem?
Assume the dye test will tell if the core plugs are corroded, and/or any leaks period?
To clarify Scotty mentions Bars Leak head gasket stop leak solution in the video provided,,, can I assume this is not recommended anymore and it is best to just replace the head gasket?
Many thanks
It isn't leaking into the transmission is it? I would think that if it was, the trans would be toast fairly quick, sounds like this has gone on for a while?
The old 3rd gen 4runners sometimes had that problem, though rare.
Doesn’t appear to leak into the transmission, also think this is a recent issue.
If the head gasket test turns out OK, are you saying one can still have a head gasket problem?
Yes, if the gasket fails in a way that does not introduce combustion gases into the cooling system. Compression and leakdown tests can also help determine if the head gasket is shot. You need to look at all the ways that head gaskets can fail and understand how to test for those conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfdS_5bKPbE
Assume the dye test will tell if the core plugs are corroded, and/or any leaks period?
It should show any external leaks, core plugs included. Of course you need to look all around the engine, hoses, clamps, etc.
To clarify Scotty mentions Bars Leak head gasket stop leak solution in the video provided,,, can I assume this is not recommended anymore and it is best to just replace the head gasket?
Those kind of sealer products are temporary bandaids that are really best used when the only other alternative is the junkyard. No matter what the manufacturer claims it is not a permanent repair. However you stated that a similar product (Blue Devil) has already been tried and it had no effect, which is frequently the case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ7KFmg6Y8E
Thank you
will proceed with investigation and education of myself.
Hopefully the last ditch question,
i’ve been filling the coolant overflow to the max line, when the engine is cold,,,is that a mistake?
Could that be why the overflow loses half it’s fluid or more over 700 miles or so? Pressure build up? Or ?
I ask because I have just recently read that you’re supposed to fill it to the minimum line when it’s cold, and after driving it, and the engine gets hot the fluid rises to the max line on the overflow.
Also ask because honestly no other symptoms. Hopefully I’m not reaching here.
Thank you
That would not cause loss of coolant beyond the small excess amount unless you have a leak elsewhere. Pressure buildup would be relieved through the cap.
It should be easy enough to test, fill to the minimum line and see if you still lose coolant.
i’ve been filling the coolant overflow to the max line, when the engine is cold,,,is that a mistake?
Could that be why the overflow loses half it’s fluid or more over 700 miles or so? Pressure build up? Or ?I
yes. Fill it to the correct level.
Having a hard time finding the answer to the correct level.
Is the correct level In between min. and max lines or at the minimum level line?
Thank you
Just fill to the minimum level and see if you still lose coolant.
Will do, thanks
Very Slight loss of coolant.
Well after about 800 miles I added about 8oz of coolant in the radiator even though the level was only about an inch or less below the neck of the radiator, but still covering all of the insides of the radiator. Overflow somewhat down from the upper portion of the minimum fill line
no issues with overheating at all. Actually I’ve never seen it overheat.