507k plus miles on the original engine and its time to see if I can get the car back on the road by just replacing the head gasket.

I previously described that a few years ago my car overheated and turned off on me while driving on the freeway.
I got the car towed home. After checking under the hood I discovered a black sooty fluid in the coolant reservoir.
I checked compression and observed that the #4 cylinder reading was way off compared to cylinder readings from #1, #2, and #3.

I added coolant, changed the thermostat and checked to see of the car would run. Car started fine so I took it for a drive around the block trying to see if it would overheat again.

Car did not overheat so I drove it to a steep hill nearby and drove hard up the hill. Car again did NOT overheat. It continued to drive at operating temp so I started to drive the car around town every now and then and adding coolant when necessary.

I believe its time to open the engine up and see if I can replace the head gasket myself to get this car back and running as my daily driver.

I need advice on what to do and what not to do with this repair. I'm the original owner so I'm not going to get rid of the car, EVER. Eventually, I would like to restore the entire car.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

You'll want to get a service manual to start with. It will be invaluable as you put things back together.

My head gasket change went well, I used a fel-pro gasket and it held up fine. I changed mine when I re-ringed the pistons. Key is to make sure the mating surfaces are as clean as possible without gouging or scraping them.

Depending on what you find when you remove the head you may be in for more than a head gasket change.

Is it burning any oil?

 

As long as you’ve got another car to drive I would go ahead and rebuild the engine. Get the block decked and true the cylinder head at a machine shop. Hone the walls, new rings, bearings etc.

This was my plan with my EF (replace HG only) but i ended up finding a bent connecting rod... if you’ve got a lot less compression on #4 might wanna check that out.

With 507k+ Miles I’m sure it’s about time to rebuild anyways. Take pics of everything before taking it apart - I tried to but I didn’t take enough, and it helps if you label parts as you take them off.

 

I agree with Smackin. With over 500K on the clock, do a complete tear-down. Take the bare block and crank to a machine shop and have the bores and journals inspected. If re-using the original rods, have those looked at too. You may be better off boring over to 75.5 mm, as the cylinders may be out of round from 500K of use. If that's the case, buy new pistons. Have the block resurfaced, put in new bearings, new seals everywhere, inspect the oil pump clearances and replace if required, or just replace it for peace of mind. Have the head resurfaced, and I would do a valve job and replace valve stem seals as well. If the guides are worn they can be replaced or knurled.

For gaskets, seals, bearings, and the water pump, I'd get as much from Honda as you can find / afford. For stock replacement pistons, I've had good luck so far with the Evergreen brand that is sold on Amazon. Supertech makes good valve stem seals.