Rufus

iTrader: (17)

OK so the new head is on. When I started it the RPM's went right up to 2K after running for about 2 minutes the RPM's started going up and down over and over again. There's a mechanical noise that I can hear too which spooks me out. I didn't drain fluids before I pulled it, but I drained all the oil and flushed it with a quart before I ever even started it. One belt squeals but thats and easy fix. I Zip tied the cam gear to the belt before I ever even pulled the head off so timing should be right on. I know about the Idle learn procedure but the car was off the battery for 12 hours so I'd imagine I don't need to pull the ECU fuse. Any suggestions as to the noise and and the idle? I set all the valves before I put the head on (I'll do it again after it warms up) and I'll flush the anti freeze when it heats up enough to open the thermostat.

opto_isolator

iTrader: (8)

Did you follow the helms manual when changing the head? There seems to be a lot of folks on here who change stuff around without reading the proper way to do things....And end up with bad results....

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Actually a buddy works at Tempe Honda here in AZ and I "borrowed" the service manual long enough to copy every page in the "cylinder head" chapter. So yes, everything (including torque sequence and ft lbs) is correct

2k2civic

iTrader: (1)

What exactly does this mechanical noise sound like?

opto_isolator

iTrader: (8)

If the idle is fluctuating than it sounds like a vacuum leak. Double check all of your hoses first....That's usually what causes it. Check gaskets next - use something called "snoop" to see if you can find any leaks.

2K1Civic17"Gabe

iTrader: (9)

Didnt I read that your supposed to use a new head gasket after removing the head? Im not sure though?

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

I did order a new head gasket and Intake gasket. The new head had the vtec solonoid on it already so I didn't need a new gasket or o-ring

The noise sounds like a knock. Not very loud. I'm sure it can't be bottom end. Even if some antifreeze got in the oil galleries I flushed everything before I started the car.

Your can zip tie the cam gear to belt and pull it back up onto the cam when you reinstall it.

Good call on the vaccum I'll check it out.

I tightened the valves but I forgot to torque them. The car has only run collectively for 3 minutes so I'll do it before I start it again.

Havok2k1

iTrader: (3)

Is it valve tap?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Mine had a bunch of problems just little things at first. Over time most noises and problems will go away. Just make sure all the little vacuum hoses are securely attached. Now the only thing on mine is rough idle, but that's cause the ports are too big.

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

It sounded too slow to be a valve tap. It runs great otherwise. Only bad part was that I finished at 1 AM and keep in mind I have a header to a test pipe to an APC muffler that doesn't muffle ****. All 2.5" piping so it was LOUD!

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Put the stock exhaust back on. Even that will make some noise after the head work

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Stock is too restrictive. Kinda defeats the purpose of letting it breathe better. I'll deal with a rough idle without backpressure.

C2i0v0i1C

iTrader: (2)

so did i read we didnt use a new gasket in the firstplace on the head?

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Trust me I wouldn't swap out a head without a new gasket.


Found 2 vacuum lines that were unplugged. Had to get a new power str. belt. Re checked valves and everything runs great. Just raced a early 90's prelude and hung side by side. I think he had more top end cuz he started to pull at about 80. Not much though.

opto_isolator

iTrader: (8)

BTW - who did your work and how much did you pay? Its dyno time!!

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

I bet your home ported head will dyno higher than dh.

allmotor

iTrader: (5)

lol gearbox

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Yeah but I think I'm burning oil and my Vtec system malfunction CEL code keeps coming on.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Well I know it's too late, but you did clean the head after porting right? Also replace all 3 gaskets IM, exhaust, head? Don't know why that would be happening otherwise.

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Yeah, did it all. I reused the exhaust though. No need to replace it.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Okay well this prolly doesn't matter, but did you port match the header? If not, reversion of exhaust gases can occur. Don't think it triggers a cel tho.

Rufus

iTrader: (17)

Header actually came with the exact port sizes of the holes in the gasket. Didn't need to open it up at all.