I tried to do a search on this but I need a relatively quick answer. While driving my car yesterday it started behaving poorly with a rough idle, valve chatter, and a check engine light. I recently replaced the Distributor cap, rotor, igninor coil and spark plug wires/plugs and fuel filter and it was running perfectly. I didn't know what else to replace as a "cheap fix" so I took it to the dealer to figure out what is wrong.

It turns out the valve on cylinder 4 "gave out" but the cylinder appears fine with strong compression on all other cylinders.

So my question is: Do I have Acura replace the valves/seals etc. for $1700? OR buy a new head from Len for about $1500. OR take it to a private shop to rebuild the head, but without the Acura warranty (and find a way to transport the car).

The only problem with buying a new head is that I have no experience how to install it. I am an assembly technician for an engineering co., so I do have knowledge about tools, etc.

If someone could let me know the difficulty level of replacing the head is, it would help decide which route to take.

I appreciate any assistance

 

if the head isnt damaged, dont buy a new one. take it to a local reputable shop, have them inspect each valve, let you know how many you need, call Len, order valves and seals (maybe valve guides as well depending on mileage), have fedex deliver them, take them to the shop, ask for a valve job and let them replace and install the parts. then go home, reinstall the head, adjust the valves, and BAM! yer done no point in spending thousands of dollars if you dont have to unless yer a baller like that.

 

Removal and installation of a head is fairly straightforward. My recommendation would be to:

1) Invest in a Helms manual

2) Remove the head and send it out to have it refreshed with new valves, valve job, valve stem seals and maybe a mild head port

3) Reinstall head and you're good to go.

Good luck.




Modified by Eva01 at 1:27 PM 4/6/2006

 

Welcome to my last week...

exhaust valve #3 blew chunks out the back end.

1) pull head
2) inspect motor - it was fine & dandy
3) take head to reputable shop to be 'refreshed' (new seals, replace valve, check for straightness of head/deck

4) reinstall head

5) had fun passing cars in SCCA ITE club race at Heartland Park

Cost = $500.


**Side note - I call dibs on your old head if you want to ditch it.

 

Thanks guys I have decided to go with the DIY route--just need to find somewhere to do the refresh.

I have a Chilton manual, would the Helms be more in depth?

Just for laughs I asked what they would charge to install a new head if I supplied it..$784!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ed 341 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Just for laughs I asked what they would charge to install a new head if I supplied it..$784!</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's pathetic. We pulled the head on the crx during my race school between sessions

 

i think its definately something you will be able to do with a buddy. See if you can get another R owner to help you out who has done it before. If not, a helms manual will steer you in the right direction

As for the Shop to rebuild it, Jim Justice is who you want to take it to. He is in Maryland. His name is DoubleJ on here. call him up, he does Excellent work. Tell him Francisco told you to call. 301-624-1000

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ed 341 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks guys I have decided to go with the DIY route--just need to find somewhere to do the refresh.

I have a Chilton manual, would the Helms be more in depth?

Just for laughs I asked what they would charge to install a new head if I supplied it..$784!</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.portflow.com

 

this is a good thread...

you can follow this up if you figure out how to removed the head https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=474849

 

Great! Thanks for all the info/advice

 

couple questions..

anything ever done to the engine? or even cam gears?
how many miles?
and are you the original owner?

 

No internal mods. Has an AEM CAI. 103,000miles. I'm the 3rd owner, I bought with 45,000miles.