Need help identifying engine
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Need help identifying engine
I'm a newb, so please be patient with me.
I'm fairly new to auto repairs, and with the help of YouTube have done a myriad of repairs to my Excursion, Camry, Audi and CRV.
I've decided to take the plunge and figure out how to work on an actual engine. In doing so, I looked for a project that my 12 yo son and I could work on and learn together. I'll consider it father/son bonding time and if we get the car to run, we'll be in the bonus.
In searching online, I found and purchased a 2001 Honda Civic for $200 sight unseen. Salvage will give $200, so I know I can at least tinker without too much downside. The car has a decent body, good interior, and is a manual transmission with 200k miles. The car was towed to my house and is now in my garage.
VIN: 2HGES15581H533786
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
1.7L Gasoline L4 MPI SOHC 16V
Not registered in the Theft or Total Loss databases.
The vehicle was purchased by me with a known blown head gasket, and this forum has some excellent resources to point us in the right direction.
The guy I bought it from owned it for the past year and had it titled in his name. He says it previously had a bad head gasket under the prior owner, was fixed and was working up until a month ago. I'm guessing he (or the previous owner) did the repair incorrectly (e.g. re-using head bolts/nuts, wrong gasket, not taking head to machine shop, not fixing source of overheating, etc).
I believe the first order of business will be to attach a wrench and see if the motor turns (need to research how to do this). Assuming that the motor turns without issue, we should be able to proceed with the repair.
My understanding is that I'll need to do the head gasket repair, and potentially add a newer thermostat, water pump and/or radiator (need to see if there is a way to test existing components).
The first question I have: How to determine what engine is in the car? In looking at the valve cover, I noticed hand-written numbers/letters in thick paint/pen. It looks like the type of writing one sees on parts that come from a junkyard. I'm not sure if this is a frankenstein match or not. The only visible marking I can tell is the front-passenger corner of the head has stamped "PMR-HA-7".
According to the VIN, I believe the engine that it shipped with from the factory was a D17A1. But how can I determine what engine is in the car today? Is there a way to tell if a different engine is installed than what is associated with the VIN.
How can I determine if I have the correct head matched to the current engine?
What other questions should I be asking before I jump into the head gasket repair?
What other fun things can we do with this engine that we should consider while we have everything torn out?
I'm fairly new to auto repairs, and with the help of YouTube have done a myriad of repairs to my Excursion, Camry, Audi and CRV.
I've decided to take the plunge and figure out how to work on an actual engine. In doing so, I looked for a project that my 12 yo son and I could work on and learn together. I'll consider it father/son bonding time and if we get the car to run, we'll be in the bonus.
In searching online, I found and purchased a 2001 Honda Civic for $200 sight unseen. Salvage will give $200, so I know I can at least tinker without too much downside. The car has a decent body, good interior, and is a manual transmission with 200k miles. The car was towed to my house and is now in my garage.
VIN: 2HGES15581H533786
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
1.7L Gasoline L4 MPI SOHC 16V
Not registered in the Theft or Total Loss databases.
The vehicle was purchased by me with a known blown head gasket, and this forum has some excellent resources to point us in the right direction.
The guy I bought it from owned it for the past year and had it titled in his name. He says it previously had a bad head gasket under the prior owner, was fixed and was working up until a month ago. I'm guessing he (or the previous owner) did the repair incorrectly (e.g. re-using head bolts/nuts, wrong gasket, not taking head to machine shop, not fixing source of overheating, etc).
I believe the first order of business will be to attach a wrench and see if the motor turns (need to research how to do this). Assuming that the motor turns without issue, we should be able to proceed with the repair.
My understanding is that I'll need to do the head gasket repair, and potentially add a newer thermostat, water pump and/or radiator (need to see if there is a way to test existing components).
The first question I have: How to determine what engine is in the car? In looking at the valve cover, I noticed hand-written numbers/letters in thick paint/pen. It looks like the type of writing one sees on parts that come from a junkyard. I'm not sure if this is a frankenstein match or not. The only visible marking I can tell is the front-passenger corner of the head has stamped "PMR-HA-7".
According to the VIN, I believe the engine that it shipped with from the factory was a D17A1. But how can I determine what engine is in the car today? Is there a way to tell if a different engine is installed than what is associated with the VIN.
How can I determine if I have the correct head matched to the current engine?
What other questions should I be asking before I jump into the head gasket repair?
What other fun things can we do with this engine that we should consider while we have everything torn out?
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Re: Need help identifying engine
To match vin it should have a metal plate with engine code stamped on block. I think it on top near transmission. Been a long time since I've last looked.
As far as the engine type it should say D17 like this: https://www.google.com/search?q=01+05+honda+civic+engine+stamp&num=50&prm d=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQorGW ioXfAhXwhOAKHQn5AicQ_AUoAnoECDYQAg&biw=424&bih=625 #imgrc=DkaP0_NZ2LWreM
As far as the engine type it should say D17 like this: https://www.google.com/search?q=01+05+honda+civic+engine+stamp&num=50&prm d=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQorGW ioXfAhXwhOAKHQn5AicQ_AUoAnoECDYQAg&biw=424&bih=625 #imgrc=DkaP0_NZ2LWreM
Last edited by Wankenstein; Dec 3, 2018 at 08:04 PM.
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My first order of business is to check for oil.
Unless car was flooded, second order would be to use the key to see if it cranks and starts.
If it starts, shut it down and then start checking and replacing stuff.
Indeed the block will be stamped with its D-Code to the left of the exhaust manifold.
Unless car was flooded, second order would be to use the key to see if it cranks and starts.
If it starts, shut it down and then start checking and replacing stuff.
Indeed the block will be stamped with its D-Code to the left of the exhaust manifold.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Junkyard engine, probably installed after last engine blew the head gasket. (who would buy JUST a valve cover from a junkyard?).
Now this one blew the head gasket. Most do it sooner or later.
Engine code location: See the pic in this post: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4754834
Now this one blew the head gasket. Most do it sooner or later.
Engine code location: See the pic in this post: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4754834
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Advise replacing the timing belt, accessory belts, water pump, tensioner, pulleys, thermostat, coolant, cam and crank seals at same time if you do get to the head gasket repair.
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Upon further inspection, etched on the front passenger side of the lower part of the engine, about 6" below the PMR-HA-7 is stamped D17A1. So it looks like the correct engine.
Is the PMR-HA-7 the correct match on top?
Also, the previous owner said he tried starting it after it died, and it wouldn't start but white smoke would come out of the tailpipe which sounds like coolant to my unprofessional knowledge.
Thank you for all the suggestions.
Is the PMR-HA-7 the correct match on top?
Also, the previous owner said he tried starting it after it died, and it wouldn't start but white smoke would come out of the tailpipe which sounds like coolant to my unprofessional knowledge.
Thank you for all the suggestions.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: Need help identifying engine
the correct match on top
and it wouldn't start but white smoke would
FYI Gas and oil both can create tons of white(ish) smoke too, so I wouldn't immediately call it coolant without real proof. Especially if it doesn't run on its own yet. Pull plugs out and inspect if wet? Leakdown checks?
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