So I think I need to replace my head gasket.... (keep losing coolant, rad keeps pressurizing, some smoke out the tail pipe after she is warmed up)....

I have a manual, and can follow that to get the head off. But once it is off, is there anything I should do to prep it before I put it back together?? I know I need to clean the block and head surfaces but is there anything else? Should I take it somewhere to get it checked to ensure it is not warped or can I check that myself?? Someone told me about getting the sealing surface cleaned and milled...not sure exactly what they were referring to.

Basically, I just want to keep everything stock and fix the coolant disappearing issue with a new head gasket.... And put the thing back together correctly....

This will be my first head gasket on a Honda...I have done a couple on Dodge motors in the past...

Thx for the advice..

 

I think if there was a cooling issue caused by a blown head gasket, then its worth getting the head checked for warpage.

Did you replace the thermo-valve and temp sending unit too?

 

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question...but do I go to a machine shop with the head and asked them to check it?? Anything else???? If it is warped is there anything that can be done to repair it???

Yes, I replaced the t-stat, and sending unit. Now I have a noticable amount of white'ish smoke coming out of the tail pipe even after driving freeway for 40 miles. The only thing that doesn't happen is it doesn't heat up...the fan comes on and shuts off like normal. I have replaced the water pump also,so the only thing left (from what i have read) is the head gasket...

 

You might want to call first, but ya, tell them to check the head. They can pressure test it. You'll want to get it resurfaced and you might want to get your valve seats done too at the machine shop. Just call around, a good machine shop will know what to do.

 

Thx, if I get it resurfaced do I need to change the type of gasket that I install????

Which leads to my next question...

Ok, what gaskets do I need...the entire "head gasket kit" is $126 bucks...not sure I have that much to spend. I know I need a head gasket...is that it???

Thx guys for the help...

 

The head gasket set will include most of the gaskets in the head and is a good buy if you don't mind taking the time to replace them all. If you just want the fastest fix, you can buy the head gasket only but you may damage some gaskets pulling the head, that will need to be replaced.

I would definately recommend doing a compression test before you pull the head, to confirm that it is leaking. When mine went, the white smoke was billowing and the car would overheat in about 5 minutes.

 

for your head gasket you have to look at what motor u have atm. but on the kit, i would get it due to the fact that it has the head gasket,intake gasket,exhaust gasket, valve cover gasket, spark plug seals, dizzy seal, cam seal, and couple other seals.
and depending on what u do to the head, i rec u replacing the vavle stem guide seals also depending on milage also. since the heads off it'll be alot ezier to do.
but have machine shop check it out first and see if u need to replace n e thing.

 

Just did this to my DOHC ZC that had really tiny bubbles starts to spew out from the radiator cap hole.
Drain the coolant
relieve Fuel pressure
disconnect everything from the head to elsewhere
leave the manifold if you can
lift valvecover off
pull cam off
pop the head bolts
rock head off back n forth using manifold - if still on

take off IM
send off to machine shop to get surfaced and pressure tested.
order parts n scrape old gasket

install opposite

 

Thanks again guys....

Just so I get the right parts....if I get the head surfaced, can I install a stock head gasket???

I never did say but I have a 88 civic with a 1.5L SOHC...

 

yea you can just use a stock one. honda's head gaskets are durable

 

Buy an OEM head gasket.

 

also dont forget to change your bolts since is not recomendable to use your old ones since they may expand and clean everything around b4 u put them on

 

After reading though the procedure on the manual, it says there is a "oil control jet"...do I need to replace this o-ring also?