MAJOR engine failure on 2002 2.0 vtec SE CRV

Joined: Mar 25, 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,
I'm new here so be gentle.
Searching around on the net for some answers and I came across this site. Hope you can help.
I bought a 2002 CRV 2.0 VTEC SE SPORT some 8 weeks ago. Private Sale.
She's done 48,000 mile with full dealer service history.
Ran like a dream apart from a small but noticeable viabration at idle. If you put a mug of coffee on the cam cover it would viabrate it off to give you some idea. No management lights up. Felt like a small misfire, but only at idle. Apart from that, faultless.
Yesterday the wife is taking the kids to a party.
At about 70mph, the CRV loses power, loud knocking noise and smoke pouring from under the bonnet according to my wife.
We tow the CRV back home and a quick look under the bonnet there's oil everywhere !!
From under the vehicle you can see a 3 inch hole in the engine casing and several punctures and deformation in the sump bowl like something was fighting to get out !!
I know its bad but has anyone experienced similar ???
Is this "fairly" common to this model ????
Any ideas on what has gone wrong ??
Any pointers, advice, views would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in anticipation.

Joined: Jun 21, 2007 Posts: 24

I don't think that fairly common to ANY Honda models! Normally Honda's are extremely reliable - my 96 Accord has over 300,000 miles on it and runs like it was new. I've never heard of it happening to a Honda. Sorry to hear that.