Rep Power: 0

I have a 1991 Civic dx hatchback, just recently rebuilt the head of the D15. Current problems i have are : Engine smokes really bad when i start it. Engine sputters through the bottom range of rpm's, then jumps back to normal. Temperature gauge does not work now. The engine also pops while idling.

We adjusted the timing according to the manual and the hood sticker. the manual says to adjust it to the color notch that is specified on the hood, but the hood sticker says the timing should be set to 18 degrees, not sure which color is 18 degrees.

We think the temperature sending unit was damaged during the milling of the head, since we forgot to pull it out. We also are hoping its something simple as a vacuum leak and not something more catastrophic.

any help would be great, thanks!

 
Rep Power: 235

Is it throwing any codes? http://check-engine-light-codes.blog...retrieval.html

 
Rep Power: 0

the weird idling and rpm fluctuation sounds like the IAC valve to me. Better get it checked out. The smoking you can expect. You did just rebuild the engine so give it some time to break in.

 
Rep Power: 0

and after the motor breaks in and it still does it then it could be the valve seats i had the same problem with my toyota and the temp guage problem is probably the temp sensor