My 2000 Honda Civic was stolen and used in a robbery. (I have no idea what the nature of the crime was—Police won't say) The car was missing for a week before being recovered. The front bumper was badly damaged as was the hood.

Question: Can driving at excessive speeds blow a head gasket? I'm assuming the thieves didn't care how fast they drove or how they treated the car while they were driving it. Soon after having the car repaired the car began to overheat while idling in heavy traffic. I turned on the heating system to help cool off the engine, but it still ran hotter than normal. Took the car to the dealer and was told that the head gasket was blown. Coincidence or a result of reckless driving by the car thieves? I'm assuming the car was in a front end collision since the bumper and hood were damaged. Any thoughts on whether driving at high speeds and/or a front-end collision might be the cause of the blown head gasket?

Thanks

 

Assuming they were redlining the car since they drove it like they stole it.... because they stole it... Yeah, I'd say the high pressure on a 10+ year old gasket could blow it.

You should be able to obtain a copy of that police report using the Freedom of Information Act.

Is your insurance covering the body damage? They might also cover the engine damage (but get it done somewhere other than the dealership, they'll charge waay too much.

 

if the damage to the front is severe enough it might have damaged the rad - leading to overheating and blowing the head gasket. Makes sense to me. Sucks that the car was stolen, but awesome that it was recovered and not TOTALLY thrashed. Here's hoping you can get it back on the road ASAP with little difficulty

 

Hmm . . . I thought as much. I'm going to work on getting a copy of that police report.

Insurance is covering the body damage, but they aren't convinced that the blown head gasket is related to the theft. Still have some arm-twisting to do there.

Thanks much!

 

Too bad they found your car. My 99 Si was stolen and never recovered...I loved that car but I loved the check the insurance company cut me WAY more...and everything you mentioned is exactly why I did NOT want them to find it...because thieves don't give a &%$@ about your car and engine damage can be more subtle than, say, obvious body damage. I would call your insurance company and explain to them that they need to cover the engine damage because it was a result of the car theft. If they do not believe you (like it sounds they don't) then explain the logic to them: my car was stolen, massive body damage was done to it and shortly after recovering the car, the engine is failing...coincidence? I think not! They KNOW that the damage was most likely caused by the thieves, but they will do ANYTHING to NOT have to pay. Maybe do some gentle suggestions like telling them just HOW MUCH money you line their pockets with...

 

Hurrah! My insurance company is going to pay for the blown head gasket repairs. It took some effort to get someone to listen to me, but it was worth it in the end.

 

Hey that's great news! Hoping it's not too long before you got your ride back on the street!

 

sorry to bring up an old thread but can I ask whereabouts you are as I have also had the same problem with my car after it was stolen and recovered and have a big battle on my hands with the insurance company at the moment as they are refusing to link the two so any help or advice would be much appreciated x

 

That's kinda crazy for the Insurance company not to cover head gasket that the thieves busted.

An Insurance's company's job is to make sure they save as much money as they can AND pay for the "Obvious damage". Anything later(hidden damage), they'll just think you're trying to get more money. It's really too bad Insurance agents aren't also mechanics as well.