xxtavixx

So, I've been repairing my uncle's 1983 Civic Wagon, it has the EM CVCC 1.5L motor in it. Original story was she backed out a CVCC, so I rebuilt the head, threw it back on there. Since then, she has eaten two more head gaskets. All valves are perfectly set, and all are sealing (pulling greaat vacuum, even with a webber carb). Warp is within spec, yadda yadda. What ever is causing this motor to chew head gaskets like a fat chick with a box of chocolates is something NOT normal, nor obvious (IE - dont ask if I did torque patterns, correct torque, yadda yadda yadda). I was curious if there were any odd bugs. I'm simply getting tired of doing this (the whole 4 hour process is annoying). Anyone have any suggestions? Dont say fractured head/block, I dont awnna hear those words ever again. I seem to have the stupendous ability for finding cars to work on with that problem.

Thanks guys.

-Andrew

83 CVCC

What kind of head gasket are you using? (compisition or multi-layer?)
Was the cylinder head ever milled? (which causes compression ratio to increase)
Did you retorque the head bolts after a full heat cycle?
Is the block with in spec for warpage? (less then .0015)
What temperature is the engine running at? Is it higher then normal?

xxtavixx

comp
I flattened myself, no one ever milled it.
I rechecked torque, all looked good
In spec
Normal operating range.

What she would do is get to about 75mph, drop all her power, and pop them. Im started to wonder if there's a crack between 3 and 4 on the head, that's where she keeps blowing them. Hopefully I get enough time to pull the head off today and find out if it's the same spot.

2ndGenGuy

Go check out the 1stGenCivic.org forums. There is some discussion over there about the head bolts actually stretching and causing repeated head gasket blowouts, despite torquing to spec, milling, and doing everything proper. I'm not sure if they have a solution other than trying to find some NOS head bolts, getting lucky with another set of head bolts, or perhaps sourcing something like ARP head studs. I think that maybe the head bolts with the spiraled shafts didn't have the problem. Eh I don't remember specifics, just trying to point you to the source of the info.

journeyforce

I am guessing you reused the old head bolts?

When replacing a head gasket, it is common to replace the old head bolts with brand new ones because they tend to stretch and will not torque down correctly.

Do yourself a favor and do the following;

1. Take head to machine shop and get it measured, checked and milled ( the head could have a crack in it)
2. buy new head bolts and use them on the new head gasket

Cheers and good luck

L