Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!

Replaced head gasket

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #1  
85deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
85deuce is an unknown quantity at this point
Replaced head gasket

We replaced the headgasket on a 2000 civic with a d16y8 engine. Got it back together and wont start. We are currently checking for spark and timing but found a broken plug. It was hanging down by the oil filter and has a green plastic with what looks to be a probe inside. Anyone know what this is and if it is crucial to starting?

http://s58.photobucket.com/user/85deuce/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1

Last edited by 85deuce; Jul 4, 2016 at 10:19 AM.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Replaced head gasket

Looks like half of an oil pressure switch (does the idiot light work or not?) or half of a knock sensor (got a fault code?)
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #3  
85deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
85deuce is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Replaced head gasket

Yup. Found the knock sensor and its broken don't think that would cause no start though. Looks like we dont have spark. We pulled the timing belt off the cam gear and slid it back over and really feel it could only go on one way. If it is off a tooth would that kill spark?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #4  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Replaced head gasket

If it is off a tooth would that kill spark?
Nope. That would only cause it to be out of time.

Bad ignition coil? Got dwell?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #5  
85deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
85deuce is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Replaced head gasket

How would we check the ignition coil? What is dwell?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #6  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Replaced head gasket

A dwellmeter can be used to determine if the ICM (Igniter) is trying to fire the coil or not.
Same dwellmeter was used for checking and adjusting ignition points in an OLD cars distributor.

Quick check:
Remove dist cap, check for spark output directly from the coil tower.
How big of a lightning bolt can it produce?
Attach a ground wire to a screwdriver, hold it against the tip of the tower, have someone crank it and slowly pull the screwdriver away to see how much spark can be produced.
If it can throw a spark across a 3/4 inch gap, that's great. If it can barely spark a gap of 1mm, that coil is bad (but the system is trying to fire the coil so the rest of the dist is ok)

If zero spark is seen, then I get out the dwellmeter to see if the ICM is working or not.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #7  
85deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
85deuce is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Replaced head gasket

Used a test light and showed a light on the igniter coil but no light when going through the plug wires. Could it be the cap?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #8  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Replaced head gasket

Originally Posted by 85deuce
Used a test light and showed a light on the igniter coil but no light when going through the plug wires. Could it be the cap?
Go read my last reply a few more times.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #9  
85deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
85deuce is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Replaced head gasket

No spark from the igniter. No time to test further but ill keep this updated.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2016
  #10  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Replaced head gasket

Originally Posted by 85deuce
No spark from the igniter. No time to test further but ill keep this updated.
You mean no spark from the coil.

The igniter controls the coil.
This is where I'd use the dwellmeter to see if the igniter is doing its job or not.
If dwell is present in any amount during cranking (I usually see 3-5 degrees during cranking) that means the igniter is ok and the coil is bad.

Coil is usually the first thing to fail.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hypezilla
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
5
Apr 30, 2016 07:56 AM
83rs50
1st - 5th Generation Civic 1973 - 1995
13
Jan 14, 2016 12:38 PM
Treve o-w
6th Generation Civic 1996 - 2000
5
Nov 5, 2015 02:34 PM
Unleaded
General Honda Civic Forum Archive.
9
Jun 26, 2007 09:25 PM
wawacito
General Honda Civic Forum Archive.
2
Dec 14, 2001 08:52 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:33 AM.