How to Fix a 2020 Honda Accord Head Gasket Leak

How to Fix head-gasket-issue

Dealing with a blown head gasket in your 2020 Honda Accord can be a stressful experience. As one owner shared, "I've been struggling massively with my mental health the past two years and it's caused some shit to slip through the cracks," (source) highlighting how neglecting car maintenance can lead to significant issues. This guide will help you understand the symptoms, diagnosis, and potential fixes based on real owner experiences.

Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a failing head gasket in your vehicle early can save you from more extensive damage. Many owners have reported various signs that indicate a potential head gasket issue. Low coolant levels are a common indicator. If you find yourself constantly topping off your coolant, it's a red flag that needs attention.

Another frequently mentioned symptom is coolant leaks. These leaks can manifest in different ways. Some owners noticed visible puddles of coolant under their car, while others observed coolant dripping from various points in the engine bay. It’s important to inspect your engine bay regularly for any signs of leakage.

Misfires are also a common symptom. A misfire occurs when one or more of the engine's cylinders fails to fire correctly. This can result in rough idling, reduced power, and a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency. If your vehicle starts running rough and the check engine light illuminates, a misfire could be the culprit.

Coolant that looks low and dry can also indicate an issue. This might show coolant loss and potential head gasket failure. As one owner pointed out: "It is highly highly unlikely that the battery is the source of all of these warning lights. What concerns me is the fact that OP said the radiator was low on coolant and the oil appeared to be 'chunky'." (source).

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the primary cause of head gasket issues in the vehicle is the fuel system. While it might seem surprising, problems within the fuel system can lead to engine overheating and, subsequently, head gasket failure. An improperly functioning fuel system can cause lean conditions, where the engine runs with too much air and not enough fuel. This lean condition results in higher combustion temperatures, placing excessive stress on the head gasket over time. In addition to increased temperatures, issues with fuel injectors or fuel pressure can lead to uneven combustion and hot spots within the engine, further contributing to head gasket failure.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a head gasket issue requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pinpoint the problem:

1. Check Coolant Levels: Start by inspecting your coolant reservoir. If the level is consistently low, there's a potential leak somewhere in the system.

2. Inspect Coolant for Contamination: Examine the coolant in the reservoir and radiator. Look for signs of oil contamination, which would appear as a milky or discolored substance. This indicates that oil is mixing with the coolant, a classic sign of a blown head gasket.

3. Perform a Compression Test: A compression test measures the pressure within each cylinder. Low compression in one or more cylinders suggests a potential head gasket leak. You'll need a compression tester for this step.

4. Conduct a Cylinder Leak-Down Test: A cylinder leak-down test involves injecting compressed air into each cylinder and listening for air escaping through the cooling system, exhaust, or intake. This test can help pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

5. Check for External Leaks: Carefully inspect the engine for any visible coolant leaks around the head gasket. Use a flashlight to get a better view of hard-to-reach areas.

6. Look for Exhaust Gases in Coolant: A block tester can detect the presence of exhaust gases in the coolant. This is a definitive sign of a blown head gasket.

Tools needed for diagnosis:

• Compression tester
• Cylinder leak-down tester
• Block tester
• Flashlight
• Basic socket set and wrenches

Step-by-Step Fix

Repairing a blown head gasket is a complex and time-consuming task. If you're not experienced with engine work, it's best left to a professional. However, if you're confident in your abilities, here's a general overview of the repair process:

1. Gather Supplies and Tools: Collect all the necessary parts and tools before starting the job. This includes a new head gasket, head bolts (preferably ARP head studs as recommended by some owners), coolant, oil, and a complete engine gasket set. As one owner suggested, "If you're stuck with the car, spend the few more bucks to get ARP head studs. They provide a bit more clamping force on the head, and a bit more even clamp as well." (source)

2. Drain Coolant and Oil: Drain the coolant and oil from the engine to prevent contamination during the repair.

3. Remove Intake and Exhaust Manifolds: Disconnect and remove the intake and exhaust manifolds from the engine.

4. Disconnect Wiring and Hoses: Carefully disconnect all wiring harnesses, hoses, and fuel lines that are connected to the cylinder head. Label everything to ensure proper reassembly.

5. Remove Valve Cover and Rocker Arms: Remove the valve cover and rocker arms to access the cylinder head bolts.

6. Loosen and Remove Head Bolts: Loosen the head bolts in the correct sequence (refer to your vehicle's service manual) and remove them.

7. Remove Cylinder Head: Carefully lift the cylinder head off the engine block. It may be necessary to use a pry bar to loosen it, but be careful not to damage the head or block surfaces.

8. Clean Mating Surfaces: Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of both the cylinder head and the engine block. Remove any old gasket material and ensure the surfaces are perfectly clean and smooth.

9. Inspect Cylinder Head: Inspect the cylinder head for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warpage. If necessary, take the head to a machine shop for resurfacing or repair.

10. Install New Head Gasket and Head Bolts/Studs: Place the new head gasket onto the engine block, ensuring it's properly aligned. Install new head bolts or studs, and torque them to the manufacturer's specifications in the correct sequence.

11. Reassemble Engine: Reassemble the engine by reversing the disassembly process. Reconnect all wiring harnesses, hoses, and fuel lines. Install the intake and exhaust manifolds, valve cover, and rocker arms.

12. Refill Coolant and Oil: Refill the engine with fresh coolant and oil.

13. Start and Test Engine: Start the engine and check for any leaks or unusual noises. Monitor the engine temperature and coolant levels to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Head gasket
• Head bolts or ARP head studs
• Coolant
• Oil
• Engine gasket set
• Socket set and wrenches
• Torque wrench
• Pry bar
• Scrapers
• Cleaning solvents

Specific part numbers will vary depending on your vehicle's engine type, so consult your local auto parts store or online resources for accurate information.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of repairing a blown head gasket can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional mechanic.

• DIY Repair: If you tackle the job yourself, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1500 on parts and supplies. This includes the head gasket, head bolts, coolant, oil, and any other necessary gaskets or seals.
• Professional Repair: Hiring a professional mechanic can cost anywhere from $3000 to $7000 or more. This includes labor costs, which can range from $1500 to $3000 depending on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the job. As one owner reported: "My headgasket blew this past week and I was quoted by the dealer at $5700 which included the headgasket, injectors, etc." (source)

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation.

Prevention

While head gasket failure can be difficult to predict, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Maintain Proper Coolant Levels: Regularly check your coolant levels and top off as needed.
• Use the Correct Coolant Type: Ensure you're using the correct type of coolant specified for your vehicle.
• Avoid Overheating: Take steps to prevent your engine from overheating, such as addressing cooling system issues promptly.
• Perform Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This includes regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and spark plug replacements.
• Address Fuel System Issues: Promptly address any issues with your fuel system, such as lean conditions or fuel injector problems, as these can contribute to engine overheating. As one owner mentioned: "I personally do video multipoint inspections and prioritize my recommendations," (source highlighting the importance of regular inspections.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"I've been struggling massively with my mental health the past two years and it's caused some shit to slip through the cracks. The major two being my tires that were far more shot than I thought and my car isn't inspected." — Videoking24 (source)

"Take care of yourselves and your cars peeps. I've been struggling massively with my mental health the past two years and it's caused some shit to slip through the cracks." — Videoking24 (source)

"I personally do video multipoint inspections and prioritize my recommendations. I 100% understand where this mindset comes from, and it’s mostly from people who want to pay less for the same repair, and I get that." — Low-Low5598 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "It is highly highly unlikely that the battery is the source of all of these warning lights. What concerns me is the fact that OP said the radiator was low on coolant and the oil appeared to be "chunky"." — -NaCl- (source)

⚠️ "When you have a failure in the powertrain system, it usually sets a DTC in the ABS, brake, and driver support systems. It is highly highly unlikely that the battery is the source of all of these warning lights." — -NaCl- (source)

⚠️ "2.0 still have head gasket problems it just take a while make sure to check for any coolant leaks" — Lumpy_Bed5473 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I was able to get mine on eBay for $100 and it's one of the best mods I have so far. I would encourage anyone to do it." — uimstr (source)

"My headgasket blew this past week and I was quoted by the dealer at $5700 which included the headgasket, injectors, etc." — ThaRed1 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a head gasket?

A: The repair time can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the mechanic's experience. A professional mechanic may take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to complete the repair. If you're doing it yourself, it could take significantly longer, especially if you're not experienced with engine work.

Q: Can I drive with a blown head gasket?

A: Driving with a blown head gasket is not recommended. It can lead to further engine damage and potentially leave you stranded. If you suspect you have a blown head gasket, it's best to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.

Q: Is this a common issue on the vehicle?

A: While not the most common issue, head gasket failures can occur on the vehicle, particularly if the engine is subjected to overheating or other forms of stress. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to cooling system issues can help prevent this problem.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Repairing a blown head gasket is a complex and time-consuming task that requires specialized knowledge and tools. If you're not experienced with engine work, it's best to leave it to a professional mechanic. However, if you're confident in your abilities and have the necessary tools, you can attempt the repair yourself. Just be sure to follow the correct procedures and consult your vehicle's service manual.