Hi Guys,

I'd like your input please. I just bought a 2001 Civic EX with Auto Tranny. The engine is the D17A9. It has been parked for a year and a half prior to my purchase. What follows are the problems I have experienced thus far.

1. Car was starting then shutting down after 2 seconds. After researching on this forum, I checked the timing and it was off by a tooth. After setting it properly, the car started and idled just fine.

2. After getting past that, I tried revving the car out slowly and it revs out to 5000 rpm before the ECU fuel cuts it. Remember, it's normal, it's an automatic and it's in Park. If I try to rev it out quickly, it sputters horribly. What could be the problem there please? Also after trying to rev it out, the idle then starts to jump between 1000 and 1500rpm and will keep doing that until I shut it off. I already cleaned the IACV, what else can I do?

3. Car will overheat randomly while just sitting there with the engine running. I checked and the car does not have a thermostat. Water pump is working fine. The fans cut in and out. The temp when it starts to rise, rises very slowly, I don't let it get over the half mark properly before I shut down the car. Please note, I haven't driven the car as yet, I want to solve the engine issues before having it move under its own power. I believe the headgasket is going. My question therefore is, are the headgaskets between the D17A line of engines identical? My local parts store has the headgasket for the D17A8 and says it might not be compatible with my D17A9. I think it will, but i want to be sure.

4. My CEL is lit up as well as the D light is blinking. I know I have to pull the codes and I know where the diagnostic plug is, which pins do I ground though. I have found plenty of stickies in my research that give the codes, but don't say how to pull them without the help of a diagnostic tool.

Thanks for any help you can provide. I am in Barbados.

 

Help anyone???

 

get the head gasket parts from a honda dealership only... and what do you mean by "rev it out"?

 

Sounds like you bought a POS, sorry to say. I hope you didn't pay much for it.

1. You have figured out.

2. Could be a number of things. Why are you revving it so high, anyway?

3. Head gasket is bad, most likely. That would explain the overheating as well as the absence of a thermostat. The radiator fan isn't supposed to stay on, it works intermittently. (when needed) I am unsure about the gasket compatibility. Easiest way to find out is to remove the head and compare your gasket to the one they're wanting to sell you.

4. From the FAQ's..