mss8rc

Okay so I have searched and I'm tired of reading after 3 pages of the same old stuff. Here's the story: Had a radiator blow a year ago or so...the car got hot for a little while but didn't blow anything else. I replaced the radiator and things have been great for a while. Went on a long road trip yesterday and my temperature gauge rose to the top really fast and out of no where. I turned off the car and let it cool down. Tried to start and was accompanied by a cloud of white smoke. I have searched and found my local parts store has head gaskets for around $20-$30 but I spoke to my mechanic I get most parts from and he said there is a gasket that's like $80-$90 that is used for blown head gasket cases. Are you familiar with this? Is it not recommended I get the $20 felpro one? What's the difference? I'm going for cheap here because I'm ditching the car. I'll check the head once I get it off and hopefully it won't need to be machined and I'm hoping the head bolts aren't stretched. What is the bare minimum shopping list I need to get to do this head gasket replacement?

94EG8

OEM D16Y8 '96 - '00 Civic Si gasket is where its at, 3 layer steel. They don't rot like the graphite ones. D15B7s were well known for blowing headgaskets, most of the time they're never really the same after you put a new headgasket in, they usually start burning oil shortly after.

mss8rc

Not to worried about burning oil...just need to get it running before I hand it off to the next person. That can be there deal. I just need to get this thing running for another week or two while I fix my fuel delivery issue on my truck and then I'm done with it! Thanks for the info!

hatchaddict01

agreed use d16y8 gasket for a 96-00 civic ex its a 3 layer mls gasket and are like 30 bucks from honday this will also raise campression a tin bit but thats ok, the reason most start burning oil is bacause they ar not cleaned properly and good enough for the use of the mls gasket. to use the mls gasket the surfaces have to be super clean and smooth for the gasket to seal properly

mss8rc

Emery cloth and razor blade?

cehcivic15

not to start an argument, but i think that is dirty. if your going to fix it, do it correctly. it wont cost much more. headbolts are only like 53 dollars. get the head checked out, and take your time with the new headgasket, make sure its all clean and all that. or else someone will buy your car and 3 days later be on honda tech asking what is wrong with their car

mss8rc

I'm going to take my time and I'm going to check the head to make sure it is within specs for being flat. If its warped I will get it machined. I'm also going to measure the bolts to make sure they haven't stretched out of spec. Prior to the head gasket it was running like a champ. Doesn't burn a drop of oil, no loud valves and all is well. My dad bought the car new in 94 so we are the only people that have owned it and my hands have done all the work. It's in good shape! If I short cut it and it fails, I know I'll hear of it because the person getting it after I fix it is my dad!

jdm ef8 89

If you are going to be doing a headgasket job why would you cheap out on that?
You should definitely get a metal gasket either a cosmetic, japanese made or hondata so yea like at least 65$ not another OEM 1 and just a tip go with ARP headstud/bolts
(no brainer)

mss8rc

Well from the sounds of it that D16 head gasket is a big step up from the stock D15 one. So far as studs, I'm not planning on running any boost or doing any major mods...I've kept it pretty well stock and I know my dad is just after MPG's so he will do the same. I am hoping that my original head bolts are still within spec since the head has never been off before. If they aren't, I will probably just buy stock OEM bolts. If I was the one keeping it I may look into that but I just bought an 89 4Runner that I just got done doing a complete rebuild on and that will become my new DD.

hatchaddict01

oem d16y8 mls gaskets have held over 30psi of boost with arp head studs so the oem gasket is as good as it gets unless you looking for special thickness then cometic is the way to go

KillaKev95

So a metal d16 head gasket will work on the d15b7 non vtec motor? Just want to be clear on this since I will be doing this next week.

Honderachinaldo

Have reused headbolts on b7 with the Y8 hg w no issues. Might want to use a thin coat of copper spray and, of course, check straightness.

KillaKev95

much appreciated information.

tristanbarrios

Im having the same problem with my d15b7. been debating if i should check if the block is warped and had others recommend throwing away the engine as its already no good and will be a waste of time/money.
this is my daily and with it being hard to find another d15b7 that has not been abused im probably going to look for a d16.