Okay so I have a 95 ex civic with a ZC motor and d16a1 head (88-89 integra) boosted also @ 8ibs
I just got head work done and valve job. I put it back together and all and now it idles really weird. Goes up to 2000rpms drops to 0 and just goes up and down repeatedly. It does drive but doesn't go into boost. Gets about 2-3ibs. It's a rough run.
When I put th head on I tourqed it all down to correct specs. Pistons were at TDC and the cams are aligned. The head is also leaking coolant. Oil n water didn't mix though. I did replace every gasket also.
I'm only 18 and I have no money to put it into a shop. Can someone please help.

 

I always mention that I am an amateur, but here's my thoughts:

Surging idle is usually closely related to the IACV. Or perhaps a vacuum leak could also cause erratic IACV performance.

Also, Getting only 2-3psi of boost also makes me wonder about vacuum leaks.

If you properly rule out any leaks in the vacuum lines (especially around the intake manifold area), then verify all vacuum hoses are hooked up correctly.

 

If ur leaking coolant from ur head then it's possible some air can get sucked in the coolant and cause air bubbles. Might b what's causing ur idle to bounce. Have u tried takin apart the fits and screw the white all the way in?

 

Also, if it idles but it is trying to hesitate/stall when you give it throttle, I've been told that is likely to be spark related...usually distributor on my stock car. I just haven't changed it yet.

 

The little hose hookup on the valve isn't connected. I honestly can not find the hose for it. It was there before. It's gone now lol. I'm gonna keep searching for it. And you guys saying vacuum leaks does make very good sense. I'm gonna fiddle with it some more. Do you guys think I have too take the head off again???-___-

 

Did you torque the head in 2 or 3 passes, per FSM? I'm just a rookie, but a headgasket leaking coolant makes me think:

1) Bad headgasket
2) Unmilled/undecked or improperly torqued or unclean surfaces can prevend proper gasket seal.
or worst
3) Cracked block/head (allowing coolant out through the crack)

Just amateur thoughts. I am not a certified mechanic. Search visually to verify the leak is from between the head/block before you pull the head....just to make certain it isn't leaking from a hairline crack. In any given situation, you will probably be taking the head off again.

 

If its coolant leaking I would take the head off and replace headgasket. It could get worse where the coolant can leak into ur engine oil and kill ur bearings and gunk up everything else. If u don't do it quick u could b spending lots if money to rebuild the whole motor again.

 

Well I put all new gaskets on it And I torqued everything down to correct specifications. 2 passes. First to 22ibs then to 48ibs and its leaking from the head on the left side. That's all. I'm really not tryin to take the head off again. Too much work lol.

 

Start saving to buy a new motor. Leaking coolant is not a problem that likes to be ignored. It only ends badly in multiple possibilities. If the top of the block and bottom of the head were not properly cleaned and milled/deck, then it is very possible that it may also be warped or just have a small piece of old gasket preventing the new gasket from sealing flat.

 

not all motor related. post in appropriate sections please.