Rep Power: 0

Hey guys, so I just got my headgasket replaced and on the work order they had recommended me on changing my spark plugs. Well, today while I was on the highway. After an hour or more on he highway, my car started acting weird. I was driving through a construction zone on the highway which was 55 mph, after the zone its 70 mph so I pushed the gas of course and my car started to feel like it was dying. So I am thinking its a misfire, and my engine light came on as well. So when I got into town to where I was going, I stopped by an auto store and got NGK V - Power spark plugs. I will be installing them tomorrow, but do you think it could be more than just a spark plug? I am so fed up with my car now, I thought after fixing the headgasket it would be fine. Thanks so much.

If it matter, my car is a 2001 EX with 124,000 mles.

 
Rep Power: 235

sounds like its a slightly bigger problem than foul spark plugs

good luck

 
Rep Power: 812

welcome to the club. in the last month alone my battery died, O2 sensor died (cel came on), my windshield has two big rock chips, and now i have a big bolt in the sidewall of my brand new tire. and im supposed to be driving 2000 miles in a couple weeks from now. yeah right lol. start by having the code checked, then you might know more. sounds like something mightve been forgotten during the head swap. alot of stuff comes off and maybe a sensor is unplugged or vacuum line. idk

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright. Well, the guys at the auto store said that their check engine reader was rented out by someone. So maye I will call them and see if they got back in or check another place.

Im really considering trading the car in, but I would only probably get like 5000 or if that on the trade in. You all know what I might be able to get?

 
Rep Power: 812

maybe 6k? i wouldnt trade til you know if its a big problem.

 
Rep Power: 318

how close are you to the dealership that you had the gasket replaced at? AAA? i'd get the car back to them, and complain...let them see what they did wrong, while you stand there eyeballing them! (that's what i do when they screw something up...) they all know me, either because i used to work for the subaru dealership (part of autogroup, so i'm at honda all the time), or because of how picky i am with my car (and my parents cars)

(after they do something with the car, they deliver the car back in an exit drive right next to the entrance one...i pop the hood, and inspect it before even getting in the car, so everyone can see)

fyi...02 LX auto sedan w/ 84000+, including road trip from CA-NC-PA-NC-CA

 
Rep Power: 0

If you have a sedan, blow the engine, and are on the east coast, I will buy the rolling chassis for way less than you would get if the car was running.

But yeah, take it back to the chimps who installed your head gasket and tell them to fix it. It's not the plugs.

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright, heres the update.

I changed my spark plugs with NGK V Power ones and I also reset my ECU. The check engine light went off and hasnt came back on.

However, I noticed one of my plugs had oil on it, is that normal? I replaced my plugs before but never really noticed it.

Thanks guys.

 
Rep Power: 812

should not have oil. looks like the spark plug seal is leaking. they shouldve replaced those and the valve cover gasket when they swapped the head. thats your problem. when oil leaks in, it fouls the plug and causes it to misfire.

 
Rep Power: 0

No you should not have oil on any of your plugs, this is not normal. They ****ed up the head gasket replacement. Take it back.

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright, will do. Thanks guys.

So I should tell them to look over it again and ask if they did replace the spark plug seal and valve cover gasket.

 
Rep Power: 812

well whether they did or not, they still have to redo it lol. obviously if oil is leaking, it wasnt done right

 
Rep Power: 267

I don't recommend putting in plugs other than those mentioned in the manual. I had an issue a long time ago caused by platinum bosch plugs, and my car would die unexpectantly. Also, I wasn't able to start back up unless God was willing. Don't put in platinums either, just go stock NGK's.

 
Rep Power: 267

Make sure they take it to a machine shop to check the head for warpage/cracks, and if needed, it should be machined flat. This is mandatory or you will blow one head gasket after another, or it will be leaking indefinitely.

 
Rep Power: 267

Join the club.

 
Rep Power: 267

Gearbox, you can get a free oem windshield replacement. Call your insurance company and ask if they cover it (they will). They will probably say that you will have to pay a certain amount out of your pocket, such as 100 bucks. But they will also tell you that some places do it for free. The windshield shop still makes money from the insurance company. Call around, but call insurance first.

 
Rep Power: 0

Depends on the state. I had heard about this (and so did my insurance company) but unfortunately Colorado was not one of the covered states (when I lived there). I don't know what formula they use, but some states have it, some don't.

 
Rep Power: 812

no, my premium would skyrocket lol. stock civics use ngk or denso plugs only. you can use any type as long as its that brand. 01+ civic comes stock with double plats, but copper and iridium feel no different.

 
Rep Power: 267

Dude, it's a road hazard. They want you to fix it, or you may get into an accident. Your premium won't get touched.

 
Rep Power: 267

What are you saying, that insurance doesn't cover it at all in some states?

 
Rep Power: 278

You can also get the rock chips filled.

 
Rep Power: 257

most insurance companies require you to set up glass protection ahead of time. They also require someplace to inspect all of your glass to make sure it isnt cracked already. Some states pay for windshields to be replaced...others do not. It has nothing to do with insurance. I have been driving around with a big *** crack in mine for about a year now. Haven't felt like shelling out the money for a new one.