Hi guys
I need help i blew a head gasket and im new to the Honda or lets just say new in the motor world i have a D16Y8 and i need to replace the head gasket but would like to do it myself that's the only way im going to learn and gain knowledge if you work on your own ride. Any advise.

 

Do you have any experience working on cars or other machines, like replacing brake pads, starters, shocks/struts, etc?

 

Brake pads that I know, you know whats funny I worked on backup generators, but when it comes to cars im clueless.

 

Go on RockAuto.com and look up the "Literature" section under your year/make/model. You should find the Bishko brand Service Manual CD for something like $22. This is a factory authorized copy of the original Honda/Helm shop manual. About 1500 pages dedicated to your one car. It has all the information you will need to research the job before buying anything. Also google for a 5% off coupon code from RockAuto.

A head replacement on these old cars can be tough. If yours already has a metal headgasket, then you are in luck. The older fiber ones are a nightmare to remove. Use plastic tools and aircraft paint stripper (aluminum safe) to remove the old gasket.

You will also need a good torque wrench. I bought a Precision Instruments PREC2FR100F just for this job. Identical to the Snap-On one for WAY cheaper (they make Snap On torque wrenches).

It's also a good time to replace the timing belt and water pump. Or even have the head serviced at a local machine shop (replace valve stem-seals, do a valve job and even sleeve any worn guides).

 

You know, my reply might be bad advice but....

I buy the 20 dollar (on sale 50% off) 1/2" drive torque wrench from my local princess auto after I verify it has a calibration certificate in it.

I since been using it for lug nuts and if I do another head job, I will either have to spend another 20 bucks on a new cheapo with cert or spend 60 bucks and have mine calibrate without cert (120 with cert).

As long as I click it half a dozen times on lugs before doing the head bolts for it's first use, it has worked perfectly on 2 heads. 2nd head job was done a short while after the first and I used that same wrench without issue.

Mind you, I verify the new wrench has a calibration certificate or I don't buy it.