99' Civic EX

- All stock d16y8

Long story short. I have replaced this intake manifold gasket, Felpro (I know its garbage) but I needed it quick and it was convenient.

I do get a high idle 2-2.5k. I spray brake cleaner around the top of the manifold where it mates to the head and it starts to idle lower.

My question, should I just get a Honda gasket and go with it? Or is there perhaps another issue? I haven't heard of others having issues with Felpro intake manifold gaskets.

Any input or advice is appreciated.

 

Did the new gasket pattern match the original exactly? The 96-98 gasket would not work because the 99-00 IM uniquely has the FIA system.

Did you torque the IM and TB nuts/bolts to spec?

Did you reconnect all vacuum hoses correctly?

Post pics.

 

Like Ron said, make sure you're not mixing parts between the early and late versions. If it's not that, there could be a bind with the bracket preventing the manifold from meeting the head squarely. Try loosening all the bolts holding the intake manifold bracket, both on the manifold and the engine block. This is easier to do from underneath the car. Then re-torque the manifold stud nuts and finally tighten the bracket.

 

In all my years of using FelPro, I've never had any issues with their gaskets. Remove the manifold and see where you went wrong.

 

you need to be sure you used the 99-00 gasket, like ron said. i'm 99% sure you've got the wrong one.

 

I'd trust a Felpro gasket just as much as any Honda OEM. I wouldn't even hesitate to use one of their headgaskets on a stock engine.

Make sure you have the right one installed. Otherwise start looking at your vacuum lines.

 

Thanks for the replies.

One thing I did not do was torque the nuts on the intake manifold down. I didn't touch the TB at all Ron, just simply removed the intake manifold. I ran through all the vacuum lines and everything is good, had someone check it over as well.

I personally have used Felpro quite a few times and have never had issues, but a few buddies recommended Honda. So just trying to eliminate possibilities.

I am indeed using a 99-00 intake manifold gasket, however, today while just taking a look, I saw the head is from a 97, now that wouldn't be an issue, would it?

I should add. I ran the CEL code today, I got p0505, idle speed control system. Currently researching on that since some members on forums are saying that this is not the IACV. So we'll see.

 

Did all of the previous gasket come off?

 

This^ is the problem. Obtain a 96-98 Y8 IM and gasket or block the FIA passages in the 99-00 IM. Google searching or browsing the FAQs sticky will yield threads that describe this specific issue and how to solve it.

Also get a torque wrench for doing car work.

 

Ron, I have a torque wrench, just 1/2 drive. I'm looking into buying a 3/8 one ASAP. Anyway, so I'll go and search some more. Although the IM is 99-00, I must go with the 96-96 IM gasket?

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

 

I don't remember which gasket should be used in this case. A crucial additional part of the solution is blocking the FIA passageways in the IM. Start by looking for relevant threads in the FAQs sticky.

 

Took a quick search on google using FIA, keywords and such. Found one where you were replying to someone about it. Should I just block them off with the block off plugs? Currently searching HT.

 

You also must block the FIA holes located at the head/IM interface with an adhesive.

 

you can get a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer in the meantime. Much cheaper alternative.

 

Well. I searched and found a DIY. Thanks for the directions Ron. JB weld it is.

Now that I just remembered I have the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter lol.

Thanks again y'all.

 

Going through posts in this thread may help if more questions arise.

Idle Surge issue.. - HondaCivicForum.com

 

Which adhesive would you recommend that dries quick?

One that I can find at Autozone or advance.

 

I think you can purchase JB Weld for a few bucks even at Walmart.

http://www.jbweld.com/pages/faqs

Kwikweld sets more quickly but only withstands temps up to 300F.

http://www.jbweld.com/products/kwikweld-twin-tube

 

I plugged the four holes up. But I'm concerned about the gasket itself. Should I use one for the 97 head or the 99-00 IM?

 

I don't know. My guess is the 99-00 gasket. However, buy both and compare them by laying over IM and head. Perhaps it will be obvious. Return gasket you don't use.