Hey,

I know that most of you guys are pretty proficient when it comes to building and taking apart motors and stuff, but a lot of this stuff is very new to me and anything that I've learned has been personal experience or something I've read off the internet bare with me.

I'm 16, and I got my first car a week before my birthday. It's a 1990 CRX DX, totally stock with a stock engine at 162,000 miles bought for $1,600. Body is in absolute great shape and all the paint is still shiny (except for oxidation on the roof ) All was great for awhile, until about a month after I started driving it, I noticed that the temp gauge had gone all the way to the top not good. So I pulled over and check the engine out...nothing seemed wrong and it was abnomally hot to the touch, and then the temp went down and all was good...this happened about 2 more times before I took it to the shop, told I needed a new head gasket (which I only now know what that is) and had them replace it for $650..ran great, I could tell I was getting more compression...all was good except now my axels went out, cracking and spitting grease all over the place..had those replaced for about $500. Then I come on these forums and read all these great FAQ's on how to do these things yourself for a lottttt less than what you pay.

So I guess my question now is..can you help me with this situation, or if it's too difficult, please say so. I'm wanting to do a tune up..or possibly even a semi-rebulid on my little D engine. It's burning oil, and it knocks and sound like the valves might be out of alignment. I'm kind of looking into replacing all the rubber parts and gaskets and rings myself...but this is kind of a intimidating task for someone who hasn't taken a mechanics class, although I know most of the parts of the engine if you refer to them (valve cover, valves, cam shaft, cam gears, block, distributor, those kinds of things) I'd really like to save a grand, and since it's summer and I"m out of school I have lots of time...as far as tools, it's possible for me to purchase tools that might be needed, which I'm sure I'll need since the only socket set I have is a US set with 10 sockets. I have no problem renting air tools or anything either if that's needed. So it comes down to it, can I do something like this?? Or am I asking for an engine in pieces that won't run
I know this is a long post and I'm sorry if I wasted your time, but you guys seem like really knowledgeable people and this is really something that I would like to do..

Thanks a lot guys.

 

It can be done. All you need is a factory honda manual, honda genuine parts, the proper tools, and some patience. Have one of your friends help you out with the project, it will be a good learning experience for the both of you. And may I suggest you squeezing a little more power out of that thing. Mabee some different pistons and a SOHC VTEC head. <<(known better as the "Mini Me")

 

The first thing I'd suggest buying is a helm manual. I think that you could pull it off easily but you need to read that manual or else have someone who is experienced in these things help you out.

 

Totally Do-able, We all gotta start somwhere. The first step IS getting a helm manual for your year, and model CRX.

http://www.helminc.com.
Buy a decent Sears Craftsman Metric, (not SAE) tool set $100-200.00 is good enough to start. Read and re-read the helm manual until you are comfortable with the procedures. And have at it.
HTH

 

you could just do a simple moter swap like then sohc zc, and do some wiring, it wouldn't cost as much probably and you would have a better engine