1995 Honda Civic EX. D16z6 w/automatic 286k miles (trans was rebuilt in 2016)

I recently got my grandmas Honda Civic she bought new. I’d like to get it running properly again for sentimental reasons

It has been running rough for a couple years so I’ve done a compression test and leak down on it. Cylinders 1-3 have 176psi while cylinder 4 is zero and it’s leaking out the exhaust during a leak down test . I’ve used a borescope and you can see lots of build up on the exhaust valves. (Sorry no pictures at the moment) also noticed while it’s running and the radiator cap is off it smell like exhaust and bubbles so I’m assuming it has a bad head gasket too..

now I’ve never had head issues with any vehicle I’ve owned so bare with me if I ask a basic dumb question.

I plan to take the head to a machine shop and have them check it for checks and trueness. But what about the valves, Is it okay to just have to just 2 bad ones replaced?

anything else I should have done to the head while at the machine shop?

What is recommended for replacement parts? Honda oem or ??

thanks

 

Some shops don’t do just 2 valves replacement well here at slacks they don’t. But for a piece of mind I would replace all the valves and valve seals. The shop will check the Valve guides to see if they’re in good shape and not worn, wel they should are suppose too.

other stuff you should replace if it hasn’t been done is the timing belt, Alternator belt, water pump and tensioner while the head is off, if oil pump is still good and pumping the correct psi then I would leave it. And also a tune up such as spark plugs, wires, fuel filter and clean air filter. Use oem headgasket and fel pro valve cover gasket and grommets.

oem Honda parts are better and are proven for longevity if driving daily stock.

 

Thanks! I do plan to Do timing belt, water pump, fuel filter, t stat, plugs wires and etc new hoses and belts.

I’ll have to test the oil psi and see how it holds up. I didn’t think about that but after nearly 300k it’s worth checking out.

 

I don’t think the oil pumps are terribly expensive new OEM, but I could be wrong.

 

New Honda oem oil pump is about $200 or more last couple months I checked but that’s for vtec. Non vtec should be cheaper

 

About $170

 

If you are rebuilding the head consider re-ringing the block too, or you might be pulling it soon again. Inspect the bearings while you are in there.