michaelpr

We are talking about a 1989 Integra LS with 142k miles. It runs strong, but it has a nasty oil leak. The shop says that it is coming from between the cylinder head and block - a $750 fix. I guess that it is the head gasket. However, there is no oil in the coolant and I do not have overheating. Could this really be the head gasket?

The job takes 7 hours. Hummm, I can have the engine rebuilt for $1650 which includes water pump and timing belt - and all gaskets will be replaced. I do have a high hydrocarbon rate in the emissions - so perhaps I will solve that problem as well.

What do you think??

WOTTEG

Some B-series engines have a dip-stick tube that will come loose. This has been noted by 3 (I think) members of this board.

Check around the base of your dip-stick tube to see if it is leaking there. If that is the problem, then some Honda-Bond and a new tube will cure your ailment.

Good luck.

michaelpr

That is an interesting note. I will check that. I am not sure what a B-series engine is.

The oil comes from the front of the engine from behind the exhaust manifold. Where is the base of the dip-stick tube?

WOTTEG

That sounds like the spot.

To make sure: Pull out a flashlight, and follow the Oil Dip-stick down. It will go behind the headers and mate with the engine block.

Here are some links:
One solution:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=289765

Extensive Discussion/Picture:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=203783

Removal:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=220571


Hope this helps.

kinesistech

If its leaking from the head gasket you should be able to see it. Clean the whole area and drive the car around. Check for fresh oil and thats the leak. If it is the headgasket, you dont have to change it. Its only leaking oil, not compression. Of course, replacing it will save from a possible problem in the future.

I can do it in 1 hour. That would be a sweet hourly rate.

michaelpr

Does this dipstick problem happen with the 1989 models?

One hour to change the head gasket? The shop tells me it is a 7 hour job (actually more than one shop).

I cannot see the leak. It is coming from behind the exhaust manifold and I cannot see behind there.

michaelpr

Still searching for answers.....

michaelpr

Any more ideas on the first message???

WOTTEG

OK, I completely misread your original post. My apologies.
So the leak is not too far down below the exhaust manifold gasket, right? It is immediately aft of it.

I don't know how I missed the whole headgasket description. But yeah, $750 for a replaced headgasket sounds good. An aftermarket copper head gasket alone for MKIII turbo supras costs nearly that much. Also, DO NOT let them charge you for the time it takes for the engine to cool down prior to working on it. It sounds like 7-hours is too long.

If you have trouble seeing the location, purchase one of theose telescoping dentist mirrors. They sell them at all auto-parts stores. It's a small round mirror on the end of a telescoping pen. This and a flashlight will help you get a better view.

dlric

$750 for a new headgasket..that is insanity. good god! 7 hrs of labor x $50/hr...that would only be $350. so unless they have a major labor rate, they'd be charging you $400 for a headgasket! do not do this! that is just crazy. a headgasket is prolly $50 at your local auto parts store.

try http://www.car-part.com and look for a different engine. your engine (d16a1) should be easy to find and really cheap. u should be able to get one for ~$400 or less. don't let a shop rip you off.

michaelpr

At $65 per hour, that is $455. The gasket comes in a kit for $250 for a total of $705. There are other items in the kit and they change those items as well - valve cover gasket, seals, etc.

However, would it be better to spend another $1000 and get everything done?

If it is the head gasket, shouldn't I have a problem with my coolant??

andrewM

if u plan on keeping the car for a while, like 2 years+, i would suggest getting everything done. if u r gonna keep the car for less time then that i suggest just bringing the car to a few different shops until u find the problem real and get a good deal.

lamont

I might be able to help you. I have a 90 ls engine I just pulled out of my boys car. Theres nothing wrong with it he was ran of the autobahn and his car was totaled. The engine is in great shape. No leaks. If you want to buy it you can. I sell it to you for 650. I got the ecu to but not the harnesse. That is hard as hell to take out. I have the engine tranny axle left and right,raditor,alternator,etc.If you are interested my email is entonline@msn.com. I hopr I can help you in any way I can I've been there before. Watch out for some of thosee mechanics they will try to rippe you off! Also I'm in the military currently living in germany.

dlric

the 90 ls engine is a b-series. he has a d-series. wouldnt work.

not to be an ***, but have u considered getting a 90-93 teg? honestly i dont think the d16a1 is worth the kind of money you're talking to rebuild it. i got all new d16a1 pistons and rings for like $100 that i put in my d16z6 (92-95 sohc vtec civic engine). those are brand new from the acura dealer. so i dont know what kind of gasket set you're talking about for that kind of money.

your engine is a blacksheep of integras..ie..there's not much aftermarket for it. really not any at all. the b-series (1990+) is a worthwhile investment as u can do unlimited stuff to it.

on a side note i looked on car-part for 2 seconds and pulled up 20+ d16a1's and the most expensive was $600.

ChaseIntegra

I had an '89 Integra too. It did the same thing. There was nothing wrong with it really except the oil leaked. You should just not worry about it, keep a check on the oil frequently, and save up for a new car, because it's not worth rebuilding that engine. However, HASport makes a mount kit for your car to install a B16(DOHC VTEC). Check out the October 2002 issue of Sport Compact Car. In there they do the swap and explain all about it, and that would be something no one else hardely has. I don't know of anyone who has done this swap except for the magazine. Or you could just get a new car, or just keep a check on your oil. My car did that too and I just added oil when needed but I sold it because it was having another problem, but good luck with whatever route you choose to go.

michaelpr

Was your oil leak on your '89 also coming from the head gasket?

ChaseIntegra

yes it was. don't worry about it. Just make sure you check and add oil as needed

michaelpr

I take it that oil didn't get into your coolant and vice versa?

I just hate oil leaks!

michaelpr

Does head gasket leak mean that oil is now in my coolant and coolant in my oil? Or could it just leak oil to the outside??

michaelpr

Anyone?

crextuner

OK now on the 89 teg's there engie is not a b series it's a dohc 1.6 litre non vtec,
now thw oil can leak just out of the head gasket. but you would probably have oil and coolant mix which will turn your oil to a white milky color. now if your going to replace the engine than I suggest a ZC from japan it drop's right in with no fabrication but I say to check it wipe off the edge around the head and run it for about an hour driveing and see if fresh oil is around It.

michaelpr

What is interesting is that my oil has a normal color, and the coolant does also. The engine coolant temperature seems to be the same - low.

It is a pity, the engine is strong. Is a ZC engine a dohc 1.6 litre non vtec? Which car was it made for?? What may be the cost???

michaelpr

Still willing to listen to your experience! Anyone?