2kej6

Ok no more diagnosing for me . Woke up to a constant steady drip off coolant Coming from corner of head...Just received gasket in mail but was for my y8 swap...Looks like this will take priority. I can already see fins on radiator so for m about to replace head gasket a first yet I'm confident between Haynes all data and Honda service book I got it..Need last input from. More experienced...Pics below...

https://drive.google.com/folderview?...jNEVzhvMEVhVE0

ezone

So where does the leakage originate?

Check the rest of the stuff along the sides of the head....It's kinda busy in that little area...... you have two coolant temp sensors (new sensor missing the O ring?), heater hose under the distributor, top radiator hose fitting at the head is only sealed with (red) RTV that could leak...

2kej6

I traced it back to front and rear corners where the head meets block..almost seems like that head doesn't fit right..

ezone

Has it been apart before? Head bolts not tight? Warped head?

I suppose you get to find out what happened when you take it apart.

ZachCivic

This guy's got a good video on walking through the replacement without removing the timing belt completely. I just replaced mine according to the video, but I ended up moving my timing belt off a bit and replaced it to be safe.

Couple notes on the video - get your head milled if your replacing the gasket. My gasket was fine, but the head was warped. You're gonna need a machinist straight edge and feeler gauges. Also, get an intake manifold gasket. You can get by without replacing any other ones if you're careful. Watch for bracket bolts on the intake and exhaust manifolds - it'll help you remove them. A pry bar is recommended.

Make sure you don't over oil your threads on the head bolts and when you place your head on a surface, only do it on the screws.

2kej6

I cannot say for sure on the head being removed before..(I've only done valve cover) This car is full of surprises and I'm about 85% sure its been in a wreck at some point. Ill have to car fax it or something later on. Today I started into it..got everything out of the way except the timing belt..(since I'm in the area replacing) This will be a first for me so decided to call it a day and study tonight on it to where I'm confident etc...did notice lots of engine sealer sludge everywhere, going to clean everything nicely before head goes on while I have the space

also given that I have a rebuilt y8 in the trunk I got the green light to borrow my moms backup accord and the garage for few extra days might as well go Vtec right? plus my place frowns on DIY projects..

of course pics!!

2kej6

more pictures. Sorry. head is brand (reman) new. Just needs adjustment according to paperwork, got feeler gauges and luckily got all gaskets Tb, IM EM and head all through Honda...other parts ill go cheap on but with gaskets I have this thing that's its got to be the genuine brand
good video though..im also soaking the driver side mount...that thing is on there...haha

ezone

Oh, now I see pics LOL

Red cheez-whiz on the exhaust ports is totally unprofessional LOL.
Does (or did) the header (I assume it's got a header now) leak there? Is the header warped along the head mating surface, does it need machined flat so it can seal well against the head?
The original sealed fine using only the stock gasket, so should the header.

Prematex Ultra Gray is a good equivalent of Hondabond RTV sealer....you'll need some for where that top hose fitting bolts to the head, maybe more.

Check carefully around the edges of the front and rear cam journal caps to make sure they got sealant applied before they were bolted together. If no evidence is seen, you might want to lift the rockertrain and cam caps and seal the ends up while it's relatively easy


Random GIS result


Make sure the cam seal in the new head is pushed in far enough to seal, if it's like many other hondas it probably needs driven in deeper than flush otherwise it may leak.
Relevant thread with that pic: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/2...ming-belt.html

2kej6

pretty much nailed it with the header. Apparently its an ex 4-1 DC header. the holes have been drilled wider, lower etc...no telling what its been on so naturally came an exhaust leak. Hence the quick seal..i broke two extensions trying to get that crank bolt...so in anger/realizing I did an impulse move i reassembled everything cleaned up the normally hard to reach parts started right up, (eventually) blew hot air, took it for a ride and it did well...I've decided $$ wise right now its not worth it (for me) with what the head/parts etc. cost me...I would of had a nice b20 at least...so at a loss right now which way to go..

she's just too purrdy to give up on