Cracked engine block, can sealant help

2007 HONDA CIVIC
120,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BROCKHAGEA
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I have a heat shrink crack in my engine block due to a manufacturer defect. It is the infamous 2006-2009 Civic engine extended warranty issue. Obviously i am out of warranty and there is no reason not to outright replace the engine. Can i use head gasket sealant to patch this problem up, or is the block done for? Seemed like water was spraying out pretty good when I did a compression test.
Sep 30, 2019 at 3:01 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

There is absolutely no guarantees with engine head gasket sealer and I would recommend a new engine, but, if you were to try a product before throwing in the towel on this engine, I would highly recommend getting Blue Devil for this which is available at any good auto parts store. I am not sure, but they might have a product specifically for this application, you would have to check, but they're head gasket sealer has been used successfully by more than one of my friends before. Any other product I would recommend against.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Sep 30, 2019 at 3:30 PM
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JIS001
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Hello and welcome to 2CarPros. There is no sealant that will seal the block. You can do a short block repair like Honda normally does anyways. You just transfer over the head if you have not overheated yet and damaged the head. If you are a really good customer at Honda they are most likely able to bat for you and goodwill your repair.
Sep 30, 2019 at 4:55 PM
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BROCKHAGEA
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Thanks, I ended up buying some Blue Devil Radiator and Block Sealant. The engine replacement would cost more than the car so there is no way I'm doing this. the Sealant is more or less a last ditch effort before i ditch the car. Here's to hoping it works! 0% chance on Honda good-willing the repair. its a 13 year old car with a sketchy service record, lol.
Sep 30, 2019 at 8:56 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello again,

Have you contacted your local dealership. Sometimes you can get the Service Manager to do a recall after it has expired as a "customer loyalty" repair where they do the job for free to maintain your loyalty or "customer goodwill". It might not hurt to talk to the Service Manager about it.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Sep 30, 2019 at 10:23 PM