mynameizstitch

ok most shops i called said they will charge 500-700 for labor and to replace the head gasket. just want to know what your guys thoughts are on this. i have never done a head swap or gasket before so im pretty new at this. i do most of my maintaiances on my car tho like oil change, suspension, water pump, thermostat, things like that.

motor is 2000 b18b1 in a 1993 integra. i hate working on 90-93 integras tho cuz there is sooooooo little room

Adankid

what engine are you working on?

b series?
d series?
k series?


just get yourself a helms manual for the corresponding engine you have, a 12 pack of your favorite beer, and also get new head studs.

Padawan

No, it's not hard. You just need tools, some patience, and a comprehensive guide or repair manual.

rick_rabies

do it. its an awesome way to learn. drain your coolant first. get a new gasket (oem) $80-100. torque the head studs to spec. make sure your motor is at TDC before you do anything. put the motor into gear so it dont turn on you. loosed the timing belt and slip it off the cam gears. then start unbolting. it helps to unbolt the intake manifold and pull it back out of the way if its a Dseires its hexa easy. if its a B series you have to take out the cams to do it... GL

HarosGSRek

yup its easy. rick rabies helped me with mine. i bled. alot. but like he said make sure you drain the coolant first. or else youll have coolant in places you dont want. its easier with a friend if you choose not to remove the intake manifold.

iliv2xlr8

Not too hard. Take your time and have a Haynes or FSM manual. Read over the steps a few times to get a feel for what will happen. Oh, and I would leave out the 12 pack..:D

ilovemy4drek

bumpppp

mynameizstitch

yeah it will be on a 2000 b18b1 in a 93 integra

b63phatch

leave out the 12pack?! thats just as important as the manual!

chillz03

iv done it 2 times now on my b18 like most ppl said get a good shop guide and take your time and also get new head bolts

Jackal6042

EXACTLY MY OPINION AS WELL!!!

A manual is certainly a very important part of it as well. One of the most important parts is when breaking and applying torque to the head bolts that you do it in steps and in the proper pattern to avoid warping the head. Replacing the head bolts with like ARP head studs isn't a bad idea either if you plan on keeping this motor. One thing to remember when putting it back together is to put oil on the threads of the head bolts.

But I'd say do it yourself. If you've done a water pump on a motor like this the head gasket isn't really much higher in skill level, just more **** to take off. It does take some time, thats why $500+ for a shop to do it isn't unreasonable. But save that money and do it yourself, $500 is an *** load of beer!!

exist12

why do you need new head studs? why why why! old ones are still good!?!

boostB4beauty

Are you serious? No, the old ones are never ever good. never.
And don't get new bolts. Get new studs. go ARP and never have to do it again. IMO

sde780

dunno, a friend built a ls/vtec and re used his headbolts, then the motor was boosted, now its still running fine 4 years later n/a

Jackal6042

I've reused head bolts many times. So have all my friends.. We've never had any issues. But if you are going to replace them I'd definitely go with the ARP studs.

mylilcivicex

I had to learn the hard way....get new head bolts. I seen some for as much as 100-125 but I got mine from the dealer for 2.50 each. Doesnt seem like it would make a difference but it will.

MHDesigns

Yeah theres some ratty civic car clubs around here too...

rust_belt

please use new studs rather than just throwing the old ones back in, mainly so you are not on the side of the road wating on a tow truck....

Pothole987

Lol, comical. you don't need new studs. i've replaced many head gaskets, problaly around 30 now(about 10 in honda/acuras) only 1 ever failed ( cheapo head gasket)
just label everything, because if you don't have a good memory then well it will get fustrating.
Personally, after you do a couple of them you know exactly what bolts go where, even if its weeks later when you put it back together.

rust_belt

If it failed once than thats once too many. Its not that hard to just pick up some new ones...I have done 7-10 honda/acura and 5-6 chevy/ford.

Pothole987

yea not the $15 headgasket LOL must of been my fault. pff.

mechanix619

Why temp fate!?!? Head studs aren't that expensive and for piece of mind they are worth twice what the cost.

rick_rabies

i know people that reuse headgaskets on turboed motors. it still works but is a dumb idea.

95vx

Hey dont forget to have a friend help you with that dam crank pulley bolt...with a fat *** flat head jammed on the flywheel and and one nice strong breaker bar you should be good. dont try to use a cheap one. trust me i have brokem many of then LOL.

have fun...and DONT leave out the 12 pack!! lol

sde780

i broke 3 sockets and the crank pulley and still couldnt get it off lol. a shop finally took a torch to it and got it off