Megalodong

1995 Civic EX with JDM B20 block. '97-'01 Integra LS cylinder head. LS manual transmission.

Engine diagnosed with a breached headgasket. Prior owner installed engine/headgasket. Engine has not overheated, no compression loss and seems to be running well otherwise. I do intend to bring to a machine shop to inspect for warpage,cracks, valve leaks. I intend to use a Honda or Acura genuine (OEM) headgasket. Does anyone know the part number and is it a multi-layered steel gasket? If the part number is unkown is it best to go with a Honda B20 (block) headgasket or Acura (1.8L) headgasket that is made for the cylinder head?

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

both heads share the same casting.

Megalodong

Thanks eg.
I got a reply from the previous owner and he confirmed use a Honda OEM B20 84mm gasket.

For the past week there'sbeen coolant on the ground on the passenger side of the car. Yesterday when I returned home from work I could see coolant dripping from reservoir (aftermarket can style) overflow. I revved the engine and I could see good sized bubbles in the reservoir and my thoughts went staright to breached head gasket. Tonight I did a block test and it passed (fluid remained blue). I know that a negative block test doesn't rule out all types of breaches but I figured if I can see bubbles in the reservoir there must be exhaust gases getting into the coolant. Within the next few days I intend to inject straight shop air (125 psi) into each cylinder at TDC and watch for bubbles in the radiator. Do you know if there would be any cause beside a head gasket breach that would cause reservoir overflow/bubbles? The prior owner installed this radiator and a slim-fan:

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

my question would be why did it blow again if the p/o did it recently?

Megalodong

Yes, I question that too. He installed one when he did the build four years/40k mile ago. Possibly, a stripped head bolt?...though it has never overheated since I've owned it for the past two years so not sure why a bolt would strip (if that's the case). I will update when I do the leakdown test on Wednesday.

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

you can check the tq on the headbolts before tearing it down. might give you some insight into what's going on. luckily for you, ls/b20 heads are extremely cheap if need be. might want to look into finding a p8r head.

Megalodong

Good idea,

Just looking to fix what I have. Since it hasn't overheated I'm hoping the head isn't warped...will take it to a machinist to be sure.
Thanks for the replies.

tony_2018

My question is why is this not in the OP?

Megalodong

Because I did not contact the prior owner prior to my initial posting.