Rep Power: 0

My 2001EX auto has 127K. I had the timing belt replaced (not at Honda dealer, my bad!) at 105k in Dec 2012, then 6 months ago it failed at 127K while trying to start it one morning. I don't know if the engine started, or if the belt came off before it started, but the engine spins quickly without compression when you hit the starter. Car is still sitting in driveway. I did detect some noise in the head the day before, like it jumped time or something.
Question: are there clear, concise step by step instructions on how to remove the head on this site? I mean clear instructions with what peripheral components to remove and in what order, etc? I may try to fix it myself.
Also, I am assuming a Honda OEM head gasket is the best choice? I would buy OEM Honda timing belt kit as well. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 244

Remove the valve cover and take a look at the belt. Are you taking the head off to fix possible bent valves?

The tensioner may have failed, was that replaced with the belt?

 
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Supposedly everything was replaced. Spent over 800 on the job. Thanks.
I assume valves are bent...

 
Rep Power: 210

that is a sign of open valves, when they should not be open

odds are something is wrong with the timing, timing belt snapped, timing belt damaged, timing belt jumped teeth, etc etc

 
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Install new timing belt and tensioner if needed. After that check the compression. If low or different then take off the head replace the bent valves. Autozone head gasket is fine.

 
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Rockauto.com has the cheapest valves and they are good.

 
Rep Power: 150

Not sure of how much garage mechanics you have had. Even with a Honda service manual and all Honda OEM part (which by the way is the only way to go) this is a very complicated job. Especially with bent valves. More then likely, someone failed to do something correct and I assumed they were a mechanic.. Bite the bullet, tow it to a Honda dealer and get an estimate. At most, you are going to be out a few hundred. Bet at 15 years old, the car is junk now except to someone who can do their own work.

 
Rep Power: 512

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...-belt-diy.html

 
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also check Youtube

You Can Do It!

 
Rep Power: 244

I agree. At least for the gaskets, belts and tensioner. Valves I would go OEM or aftermarket but with something like crower.

I never liked Rock Auto.


If he needs a new head he is looking at more like $1500. That's how much it cost me when my tensioner failed.

 
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If you find out that the tensioner was the problem replace also the tensioner bolt with 1/4" longer bolt.
There is a space.

 
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Why?

isnt Locktite good enough?

 
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Thanks again for all your comments and links, they're much appreciated.

 
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Why would you use locktite if you have space for longer bolt?
I would say put longer bolt and use locktite.

 
Rep Power: 150

The $200 I was referring to was for the tow and estimate. If he can get fixed what is broken now for $1500 from a Honda dealer, he will be one lucky person. However, it problem would be correct.