after paying some random kid 1200 to swap out my bad engine, my head gasket popped, and do not have the money to get it done in the shop, so I need to know what tools are needed, wheres the best place to get em, and approximately how much will they cost?

 

Something to remember when buying tools. If you like to work on cars or plan on working anything for the rest of your life buy some good tools; kobalt, craftsman, snap-on. If its just a one time deal then go to walmart or somewhere else and get cheap stuff. I have been building my tool kit since i was 16 and am nowhere done yet. Also look out on craigslist, some good deals can be found on there. Size wise im not exactly sure what you will need...most of a honda can be taken apart with a 9,10,11,12 mm and rachet and a screwdriver.

 

You'll also need some plyers for hose clamps. Long curved needle nose style ones will probably work best, for the hoses on the back of the head. Something like these:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=66333_0_0_

But most importantly, a torque wrench for the head bolts and a service manual. A marker and some masking tap would probably help as well, so you can label where each vacuum line goes, and what sensor each plug connects to.

 

craftsman are decent garage tools but not to be compared with matco and snap on. if you wanna pull the head yourself you'll need basic hand tools.

10-19mm 3/8 inch sockets and ratchet. misc size extentions
spark plug socket
15-21 1/2 inch sockets and ratched with extentions
1/2 inch breaker bar
1/2 inch torque wrench
needle nose pliers
diagonal (sp?) cutters

for the most part that should help you get the head off.

you will also want to look up the service manual for your engine.

get some zip lock bags and a digital camera. label everything and
take pictures so you remember how things come apart.

I'm sure i'm missing something but that's all i can think of off the
top of my head. it's not too bad to do it yourself. grab a friend
or two, buy them pizza and a case of beer and goto town on it.

Good luck.

 

where are you ,located?


i do SOHC D series headgaskets for $250 parts and labor if you can get the car to me.

 

quick rundown, for stock honda not f* with! i say bolts for everything, even though some are nuts, just a habit
valve cover bolts 10mm, intake and exhaust manifold bolts 12mm, cam gear to move to set timing belt sohc 14mm-dohc 12mm, dizzy 12mm, p/s pump 12mm- brackets 14mm, head bolts will 14mm unless arp which correct me if im wrong but all i have seen are 12point 13mm, timing tensioner 14mm, channel locks&pliers for hoses or a flathead screwdriver, crank pulley sohc=17mm dohc=19mm,

my best advice is to buy a set like this
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...9&blockType=G9
then buy a pair of pliers like the one above and you can just rent the torque wrench and breaker bar from autozone, you leave a deposit for the tools and when you return them you get it all back
and if you havnt ever done one before find either a writeup online, if you know somebody that works at a shop you can ask them to print you up instructions on how to do it from there mechanics program, or the best if you plan on doing your own future repairs, a chiltons manual

sorry if i forgot anything