I had a head Gasket blow so I removed the head and took it to a head shop to get it checked out. So far it's not warped but we will need disassemble the head for the pressure test to check for cracks.

My question is will I be able to reuse all the parts in the valve train or is there a rebuild kit so I can keep it as stock as possible? Will it be ok if I clean up the valves with a wire wheel or some emory cloth?

 

Depends on how many miles are on the head. If you took it apart and getting it checked, you might as well spend a little money new parts. New valves, guides, seal, springs, and retainers..NEW headbolts should be used as well.

 

That's what I thinking. Also can anyone elaborate on why it is important to replace the head bolts? Please excuse my ignorance but I like to know why I need to do something. I will definitely replace them.

 

Your old bolts stretched when the factory installed them. 1 time use only. What kind of motor is this work being done on?

You can have a shop pressure check the valves. The type of motor this is should dictate how much you are willing to spending to rebuild it. If it's a D series I'd just buy a used, but in good shape replacement.

 

Ah stretched, makes sense. It's the D15B7 and you can see pics of the tear-down here:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/not-starting-ignition-issues-over-heating-3012114/

Sorry for the bad cell pics.

 

on stock rebuilds, oem headbolts can be reused.

 

Maybe it's a matter of preference, but I wouldn't re-use OEM bolts. IMO its not worth risking it for $100

ARP Bolts I re-use with caution.

 

I didn't realize that head shops specialized in motor stuff... usally bongs, incense and various 'tobacco' accessories. Just kidding

I've heard about reusing head bolts with some success. I mean its a d15, not like a high compresson build. I'd have a hard time paying $100+ for arp bolts.

 

Even for a stock rebuild, I would say go with new headbolts. Either ARP or OEM, spend the $100 now rather than a $1000 later for a new motor.. just my thoughts

 

If it was my head: after the warp and pressure check I would just bench wire wheel the valves and put new valve seals in and make sure it all is clean.

I only use new head bolts if they are "torque to yield bolts" (engine models that the assembly torque sequence requires an additional 90 or 180 degrees or whatever turn after the initial torque wrench torquing)

 

Just lap the valves, replace the valve stem seals, call it a day.

 

No. Head bolts are torqued to a certain "stretch", they will never hold the same "stretch" or clamping force after being loosened.

 

Save some money and get some oem bolts, maybe 4 bucks a bolt.

 

i sand blast to clean my valves, then finish it up with some scotch brite .

 

It's better to use a wire wheel, depending on the bead in the blaster, it could weaken the metal.

 

head bolts stretch

the combustion chamber explodes on every stroke of the piston. this pushes vertically on the head bolts. after time, the bolts stretch a very small amount making them unsafe to use on a head R&R.

hope this answered the question

 

Valve seals and head studs.. Mill the head and slap it together

 

What do you mean the combustion chamber explodes on every stroke? It's just the combustion stroke... These aren't waste spark systems.

 

open the factory service manual. it says nothing about using new bolts. they would include that if they wanted you to use new ones.

 

Clearly you have never worked in a shop, if you have, you would know to never re-use head bolts.

 

thank you


and yes ARP studs are a waste on a stock D15. However good OEM replacement studs are about the same price. So screw it, spend the extra $40 or whatever and get ARPs.

Edit:
Just checked eGay and a set of ARP studs for a D series is $100 shipped.

 

actually i do work in a shop, thanks. rebuilt plenty of motors, they all run fine to this day.

 

That's garbage. Glad I wont be headed your way - ever.

cheers.

 

Lol +1.

My talon when I first got it when I was 15, had a blown head gasket, so I took it to a shop, when I got it back, it overheated in minutes, everytime I started it. I come to find they re-used the headstuds. But headstuds are ok to reuse right? come on now.

 

I re-used my ARPs on my B18C seeing that the ARP rep said it "should" be okay to re-use the studs. I have small bubbles in my coolant which never seem to go away. My guess is the HG did not seal properly due to re-using the studs.

Never again will I re-use any studs. Saving $120 is not worth engine failure.