He adjust the valves? From what it sounds you have a weird HG failure. The sealant probably won't work and will do more harm than good. On the JDM engines, it honestly depends like all salvage engines. The Japanese are really strict on vehicle maintenance, but due to them being a small country, they have a lot of short trips which aren't great for an engine. Worst case scenario is to get a 3G TL Type-S block as they are identical to the RL's block. You'll probably have to have the heads and block machined though to ensure a level surface for the HG no matter which one you pick.

 

Thank you for this -- yes, valves were adjusted. I will look into a 3G TL Type-S block. No one willing to replace engines near me machines anything first or seems to know where to send for machining. I'm not giving up yet, though.

 

You might wanna do that. Don't quote me on this, but the whole long-block for the TL Type S I believe is almost identical save for the camshafts. IF there was no overheating, the current block and heads may be able to be saved via machining. Did it fail right after the road trip? If so I might have a theory. I DON'T KNOW SO DON'T MAKE ANY ACCUSATIONS, but I sorta think whoever did the valves may have adjusted the exhaust valves too tight if the HG failed right after you had the work done. That 7 hour road trip may have exposed that in the form of really high cylinder temps and potential detonation which caused the HG to go. I think it failed during the road trip and wasn't exposed until the car cooled down and allowed the coolant to pour into the cylinder. I'd find a good machine shop for this. You also might want to start your own thread from here on out so that this one won't get cluttered.

 

Starting a new thread since my reply to the failing valve covers post was steering discussion away from topic to engine replacement and alternatives. 2006 RL had 140,000 miles, had never run hot, always maintained (did the 120k service at 80k so belt and pump already replaced), was found to have "degraded and flaking" valve covers, as I understood it. (If I find the invoice, I'll edit to reflect the actual repairs.) The mechanic replaced them and the gaskets, tuned up the car. It ran better than it did when I bought it with 6k miles on it. Put on new tires, brake job, etc. So, I sunk about $4k into the car in the last year expecting another 100k with the engine work. Within a few weeks, the day after I drove it 7 perfect driving hours round trip, it runs so rough backing out of my driveway with so much white smoke from the tail pipes that I park it immediately and have it towed. Mechanic replaced the misfiring plug (#3) and told me it has a blown head gasket. 3 shops recommend engine replacement, including the shop that did the work (no warranty on the work). Prices range from $2-4k, all quoting me on the exact same used engine since they use the same supplier and it has only one in stock. I have been waved off the truly low mileage engines made for Japanese market as not well-maintained. I am weighing putting gasket sealant in the coolant, crossing my fingers, and trying to get more miles from this engine with all the new parts (can risk not having a working heater in my climate) v. going ahead with a replacement v. donating the car with repair notes v. selling it on marketplace (disclosing issues) and having strangers come to my house (nope)..... Leaning toward sealant. Discussion welcome.

Valuable replies to prior post much appreciated (re try machining and possibly replace with compatible 3G TL block).

 

Thanks -- started new thread as suggested. Didn't want to push this off topic any further. (Suspect what you described is possible).

 

The forum where you originally posted, the AcuraZine User Help, Support & Suggestions Area , is meant for problems, comments, and suggestions for the website itself. so I moved your thread to the car specific forum applicable to your vehicle.

This was explained in the sticky thread at the top of that forum, or click here if you can't find it, which will explain why you shouldn't have posted your thread there.

 

Hey Ron, mind if you move the last 4 posts from this thread https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2.../#post16934856 here? They pertain to the discussion here.

 

If you have money to blow, I believe you can still get a new short block and cylinder heads https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...2-rja-a03.html. Its over 15 grand for all 3 though!

 

Apologies. Thanks for moving. Working under deadline so couldn't research what the drop down menu items were. Appreciate it.

 

Limited b/c my insurer will only insure car fully operable for $500 before it totals out but it's good to know this is an option. Thank you!