redm3turbo

So, just picked up a EG coupe....and I just pulled the head off about an hour ago to put in a new headgasket. The old headgasket was supposedly leaking...I tore it down, and I dont see where it was bad...(no coolant in oil, no overheating, etc) however I already took it all apart, so Im changing it...

Now my question is, my timing belt is just laying there...(to remove it I set to TDC, and slide it off) removed the head...and its just laying there now.

I was thinking about it...car has 109k miles, and she needs a new T-belt. I was thinking about it, couldnt I just crack the crank bolt....slide off the timing belt, and slide a new one on? I mean, it should be pretty easy considering I dont have anything ontop (head is sitting on my bench) I shouldnt have to monkey with the tension right?

Anyone done this? tips? thoughts?

Thanks

98civdx

You will have to mess with the tensioner to remove the belt. As well as remove the crank pulley, and timing cover. You should also replace the water pump, possibly even the tension as well.

I didn't do mine and all is fine, but it wouldn't hurt to do it anyways. (I didn't do mine, becuase I didn't want to wait for it to come in.)

At 109k if it has not been replaced you should be at minimum the timing belt/water pump.

While your in there, as the cam seal wouldn't hurt.

motegicivic

A lot of people do it since the head is off, might as well.

apexi_rsx

i would... if i had the motor tore that far apart and if the belt has 40-60k on it id change it its only 30 bux. replace the water pump too if its been over 60k as well.

kodyhalkyard

timing belt, water pump, tensioner pulley, and front main seal should all be replaced while everything is easily accessible, better now than when it needs to be done...because nobody wants to do a job twice.

chope045

its not necessary but recommended

kodyhalkyard

redm3turbo

just ordered the cam seal and tensioner....water pump and timing belt, valve cover gasket I just picked up. (Those were in stock)

I guess Im going to throw in new spark plug O rings and all new ps/alt/ac belts while Im in here. The belts didnt look too bad...but I aint putting a $10 belt back on....

Linked

depending on the condition of the current belt, it can be necessary.

and having the head doesn't knock out a bunch steps for a timing belt job

you still have to remove the driver side engine mount and support the engine, remove all accessory belts and break the harmonic balancer

ELGEORGEKBRON

It would be a good idea to replace the oil pump seal( "o"ring?) while you are at it.
That little thing it's know for developing a nasty leak.

98civdx

While your in there, also consider doing a valve lash adjustment. Not much more work, then your already doing. lol

Linked

lmao yea lets just overhaul this sucker

redm3turbo

Lmao....
My father said the same thing like 20 mins ago on the phone.... He said, "what you going to rebuild the motor?"

I said, "Yea, sorta"

Best part of these EG civic's....I can basically change every belt/seal and a the water pump and Im barely at $150 bucks.

I was looking at it, aside from the starter and alternator, there's nothing else to change or that can go wrong really...that I wont have already changed here. I was just going to toss in the usual maintence parts that are cheap as well....Fuel filter, PCV,....air filter perhaps, I didnt even look at it.

redm3turbo

Ah hell with it....this weekend were supposed to see snow, so Im going to just lock myself in the garage saturday and sunday.

The things on the agenda.

Headgasket (Im halfway done on this already/Just have to re-assemble)
( --waiting on new head bolts...)
water pump/timing belt/tensioner
New Alt/PS/AC belts
Adjust the valves (its free, sorta)
Front main seal
valve cover gasket
Oil pump seal (if I can find it)
Fuel Filter
PCV vavle (I have 10 of these on hand)
set of NGK plugs (have on hand)
NGK "blue" wires (have a set laying around)
Repaint valve cover (wrinkle black rustoleum)
1 round of Drain and Fill w/ Honda ATF
Technically a radiator flush and fill (had to drain for the headgasket)
PS fluid drain+fill



Maybe's
Check condition of Upper/lower radiator hoses


Since I have a few of the items, the rest of it combined so far is still like $150 ish...

Considering that if I took it to the dealer it'd be probably $2500, Im still WAY ahead.
Plus...its supposed to snow anyway, what else am I going to do with myself.

Please if anyone else can think of anything...post it up. Alot of the stuff on the list is really just putting back new pieces instead of putting back old, such as the valve cover gasket. I dont plan on takin the head off again for 4-5 years, so really Id rather spend another $100 bucks on parts now, and change them...then have to go back and do something again in 4 months.

Thanks in advance

ELGEORGEKBRON

Your best bet to get the oil pump seal is your local Honda dealer but most auto parts stores carry that thing or they can get it for you.
Nice weekend proyect.............don't forget a couple of cold ones......not too many ok.

Dioxine

New cam seals are probably a good idea, the old ones tend to get egg shaped and will leak bad. Valve adjustment since your in there wouldn't be bad either. New intake and exhaust manifold gasket if you feel like it. Sounds like you pretty much got everything else covered though. Gonna be a fun weekend

98civdx

Sence your at it, throw some bearings/rings in it, and a 5spd swap. What the hell right?

Linked

at 180k miles i fell in love with my z6 when all cylinders still read 190 psi compression

mechanical parts in these engines really go the extra mile

strategy400

If the oil pump seal isn't leaking I'd leave it alone. Why risk scratching the sealing surface? Mine went 200k plus and didn't even seep oil. If you keep the oil clean the seals do very well. I'd replace belt, pump and tensioner and only the seals if they are leaking. Hardest part is the crank bolt. Also be sure to use the right torque wrench/spec for the water pump bolts (inch lb.). The pump distorts easily. Buy Honda OEM parts to replace these critical components or be prepared for heartache.

98civdx

220k+ only gaskets that have been touched.

Dizzy o-ring, exhast mani, only beucase I removed it, and valve cover. All else is the orginal stuff that fine. I don't leak a drop of noithing.

Sleepy_Steve

+1 to each of these.

redm3turbo

update....just waiting on headbolts.
I read that 50% re-use them (and never see a problem)
and 50% say to NEVER re-use them...

I was going to just re-use em.... and then got scared because I was reading about a guy who snapped one, and then had to have someone come out to his house to fix that...

Im saving enough money doing it myself....dont want to get greedy

strategy400

I see nothing in the manual that says replace the head bolts. It does say use new headgasket and apply clean engine oil to threads and washers.

apexi_rsx

the bolts tend to stretch when being tq'd that high making them loose a lil bit of there strength. ive reused head bolts before with no problems and was boosted with no signs of head lift. don't over torque them. soak them in oil for a few and reinstall in the correct order and tighten in sequence. it's just a piece of mind thing if u want to spend the 90 bux from honda to get new ones.

strategy400

I was suprised at the low torque specs for the head bolts. Maybe thats why they don't recommend replacement.