I just bought a 95 Civic LX with 122K miles for my son, clean car and it runs great but the day after I bought it I saw a puddle of oil under the car. After inspecting I am sure it is coming from the headgasket directly under the timing belt/cam shaft. A closer inspection and I can see that very recently the headgasket has been replaced. I pulled the v/cover off and checked the headbolts with tq/wrench to make sure they were all tight and they were. No water in the oil and no oil in the water...

I bought the car AS/IS wholesale so I am stuck with the problem.

My Questions..

Is this a common problem and if so what is the cure?

Would loosing the headbolts and then re-tourge them in the proper order help/hurt (assuming they were not done properly)?

Worse case I have to pull the head. I will have the head checked for flatness. But do I need to use new headbolts, is there a specific headgasket/brand I need to use

Are there any insider need to knows about putting a headgasket on this engine?

Thanks for helping!!

 

Bump...somebody help this guy.

 

Lemme see if I can help a local:

If you see oil coming out of the headgasket check your collant resevoir. If the coolant is murky-oil-colored it is prolly a headgasket leak.

If the headgasket it leaking, it will need to be replaced. I suggest Majestic Honda, they sell OEM stuff for good prices I believe its http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com, not positive though.

You will not need new head bolts, unless you really want them (like ARP).

Your head is prolly fine, I have seen very few instances where the head is the cause of the leak, and not the gasket. But it wouldnt hurt to have it checked out while its off...

Hope this helps

P.S. - switchin the head gasket is a breeze!