chadzeilenga

Hello,
I'm working on a friends 1994 Civic Coupe. The problem is that the car won't start. I turn the key and it cranks over but doesn't start up. I was told that the car had overheated previously. I checked the oil and there is no signs of water in it. The compression across all 4 cyl is 120, 90, 90, 92 psi. I'm sure this is low, but don't know what it should be.

Also, the plugs in it seem to be new, but also are oily on the threads and tips. I'm thinking this is due to worn valve guides.

I'm new to honda's. I think it might be a bad head gasket. I can't see it being bad valves since the compression is so low in all of the cylinders. Maybe the timing is off?

chadzeilenga

I got to working on the civic this last weekend. I pulled the valve cover and noticed coolant mixed in with the oil. Figured it was head gasket. I pulled the head and noticed that the upper timing cover was completely melted! Is this normal on a overheated engine?

Also, is it possible to warp this block when overheated? I'm sure the head is warped.

honda92hatch

its possible when you blow the headgasket to do that.. but the only way is if the person that had the engine kept driving the car after it blew. make sure you check the head for any cracks and warpage and also check the block for the same..and when you replace it go with a good headgasket dont get a felpro they suck.. go with a standard oem or a golden eagle gasket and studs there the best.. thats what i have on mine.. no problems at all...

As for the compression that is deff. low you might be better off gettin a new engine if you dont wanna rip this one apart cuz your goin to have to get new piston rings most likely if the head gasket doesnt fix the problem..

chadzeilenga

Thanks for the response. I pulled the head and it was 0.008" warped, so the machine shop surfaced it. I got it all back together and am at 150 psi in all 4 cyl. The block wasn't warped at all, surprisingly even thought the timing cover had melted...!