So I had to replace the head gasket on my 97 acura integra Ls non V-tech, because lose of power and was leaking oil. So I went ahead and replaced it what I believe is correct torque all bolts to specs. The only thing I did was I did not use new bolts. and the problem I have now is that if its been sitting for a while it will start, but if you drive it down do road or at least drive it till reaches normal temperature than park it, and try to start it, it would just crack and not start.

What I came to found out was that there is coolant getting in my cylinders which is causing it to no start. How can I fix this? Was it due to using the old bolts or is there a certain way the head gasket went?

 

the bolts are fine to reuse. granted the threads were in good shape.
how did you come to the conclusion that coolant is entering the cylinders?

 

Did you check the head to make sure it was not warped, or if the block was "flat"?

Are you sure the HG was installed correctly, [not upside down]?

Same question as above, how did you determine coolant was getting into the cylinders and what cylinders? 94

 

Ditto on the above two posts. Checking block and head for flatness with a straight edge and feeler gauges is mandatory. IIRC he would be spewing out oil if the HG was on upside down. I'll never understand how people manage to put them on upside down because they are labeled on the up side.

 

I manage to notice because I took of the spark plugs and direct a light inside the cylinders and saw something shiny and than I used a long thin piece metal with paper towel at the end to check what it was an it smell like antifreeze. I did not check the surface with a straight edge I clean all around the head and block than install the HG. Is it possible that backward HT cause this? the bolts were in good conditions threads weren't stripped.

 

As mentioned, it is pretty hard to not notice the "UP" mark on the HG, but chit happens.

It makes no diff., you will have to pull the head anyway, and this time check for warpage, [no matter what], if your not comfy doing it, take the head to a machine shop and have them check it. 94

 

But will putting the HG backwards cause for coolant to get in the cylinders?

I will take it apart again but I will have to buy a new HG?

I will also check engine block for warpage. Thanks

 

Putting a HG on upside down/backwards will cause oil to cascade out from between the head and block. Speaking from experience because yes, chit does happen. I know, you're all shocked.

Check head and block for straightness like you're going to do. If it were me, I would buy a new HG. There are some who may think that it is still usable but technically, once the gasket has been torqued, it's done.

 

if it wasn't sucking back coolant before, something happened during install

 

Okay, I will try to get this done and will keep you guys updated.

Thanks.

 

head gaskits is backwards or they gave u a vtec gaskit by mistake

 

Hmmm, never thought of that, but it is a possibility I guess, the LS HG is 12251-P75-004 and the GS-R/ITR HG is 12251-P30-014.

So the question is, where did he get the HG and what was the part number??? 04