I posted this in the wrong forum EG+ (sorry, I've only had a Civic for a day).

Anyway, I'm sure I'm going to have quite a few questions, as this is my first rebuild. I have most the engine disassembled, what I lack is the internals. I'm having a difficult time getting the crank pulley off (bolt is off), and I have the oil pan off (pan is clean and the oil on the bottom of the inside looks good. I have the oil screen off, but I can't get the part under it (with the engine upside-down). I have the 10 bolts loose, but it won't budge. ...any ideas? Bolts I've missed?

I want to thank you guys in advance, and ask for your patience.

Any advice?

Chris

 

you cant get the harmonic balancer off with the bolt off? I've had a one stubborn one before, just had to wiggle it alot to slide it off.

 

Okay...

Engine is completely apart. (Rubber mallet OWNZ!)

Now for cleaning...any suggestions? I plan on throwing a layer of paint on the block to make it all pretty. What should I do to prep this. Any products I can use that will make the process a little easier?
Also, what about cleaning the inside (cylinders, inside of the crankshaft chamber)? The cylinder walls look really good, nice and smooth, but the crankshaft chamber has some burnt oil (looks like) on the walls.

Is there anything I can do (under $250) to get the engine running a little better? I'm already doing intake and header (the exhaust manifold has a hole in it)...and I'm getting the flywheel resurfaced and a new clutch. What else can there be? The engine has 160K on it...should I get new valves and springs?

 

You should probably keep the cylinders lubricated with oil to keep them from rusting untill you're ready to hone.

for much less than $250, you could buy some ZC pistons and have them matched with your rods at Napa or somewhere to bump your compression. I've got no first had experience with that but I've seen the difference high compression has made in my friend's a6 crx.. I was impressed.

 

Aluminum Block, Steel Sleeves?

 

if you want to clean the cylinder head, use a dremel with the carbon steel brush bits.