Ive bought a 98 civic ex. Got a D16Y8, guy says it has a cracked head. Im not 100% sure. I need to know how to check and see if it is cracked, simply, without a leakdown or compression test, and the price of a head. Would I be better off getting a Re-man head or opting out for a brand new one. This is the first Honda Ive owned and I plan on keeping it for a while and have big plans for it.

 

Start here --> Ask the guy how he knows the head is cracked.

 

he said it wont fire right up on first try and said I could replace spark plugs to get it to fire. also said the heat is not working on the inside. it doesn't smoke. he said he replaced the water with anti freeze and says the anti freeze has seeped in to where the plugs are thus causing it not to fire.

 

How does he know the head (or block) is cracked versus a blown head gasket?

 

TBH I guess he really doesn't. That's just what he told me. It could very well possibly be a head gasket issue. The shell and interior is in great condition and the motor as is has 140.000 miles on it and I got for 1000. I literally just got it and haven't had time to look further in to it. just going by what he said its a "hairline crack"

 

you pull the head and have it pressure tested at a machine shop.

 

Ask him where he saw the hairline crack to see if you can verify.

 

ok. if that is the case (it being cracked) would I be better off just getting another? ive seen them range in prices from $100-$350. i would personally feel better just getting another.

 

look for the crack yourself or spend the $$ and save yourself the headache. imo