Hey everybody, I am new to this site. I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself, am 26 yr.old, diesel tech, specializing in lt, med, and HD steer, align, and suspension.

After checking for a helpful and user-friendly site I think I have found it. Since there seems to be plenty of diy'ers on this site all willing to help another fellow diy'er I think its time for me to ask for your help. I recently found myself buying a 1988 honda civic wagonvan 2wd. With the 1.5L DPFI.
Well my problem started as soon as I got the engine running, the engine has 168,995mi.
It drives well has a few details but nonetheless it saves gas:) my real issue is that I think I have a cracked head. I don't have any external coolant leaks, hoses are fine, and new radiator. The problems is when I added coolant to the system and started it for the 1st. Time, I had heavy white smoke. I thought it could have just been condensation since the car had been sitting for a while, not sure how long but most likely 1 yr. The oil has no water or coolant, so my question is this, I bought the car pretty cheap, and I was wondering now that I got it running and have this issue, would it be better for me to take the head off and take it to a shop to have them check it out, or could I take a chance with pulling one off at a junkyard and hoping that it works, or... maybe taking the one from the junkyard to the shop as well.
SORRY FOR THE LONG LIST BUT I Don't WANT TO MISS ANYTHING, IF I DID PLEASE TELL ME. I AM REALLY HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS I MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH TIME TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO SMOGCHECK AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPRTATION AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR UR HELP.

hey everybody, I am new to this site. I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself, am 26 yr.old, diesel tech, specializing in lt, med, and HD steer, align, and suspension.

after checking for a helpful and user-friendly site I think I have found it. Since there seems to be plenty of diy'ers on this site all willing to help another fellow diy'er I think its time for me to ask for your help. I recently found myself buying a 1988 honda civic wagonvan 2wd. with the 1.5L DPFI.
Well my problem started as soon as I got the engine running, the engine has 168,995mi.
It drives well has a few details but nonetheless it saves gas:) my real issue is that I think I have a cracked head. I don't have any external coolant leaks, hoses are fine, and new radiator. the problems is when I added coolant to the system and started it for the 1st. time, I had heavy white smoke. I thought it could have just been condensation since the car had been sitting for a while, not sure how long but most likely 1 yr. The oil has no water or coolant, so my question is this, I bought the car pretty cheap, and I was wondering now that I got it running and have this issue, would it be better for me to take the head off and take it to a shop to have them check it out, or could I take a chance with pulling one off at a junkyard and hoping that it works, or... maybe taking the one from the junkyard to the shop as well.
SORRY FOR THE LONG LIST BUT I DONT WANT TO MISS ANYTHING, IF I DID PLEASE TELL ME. I AM REALLY HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS I MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH TIME TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO SMOGCHECK AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPRTATION AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR UR HELP.
You might consider first checking compression. It may be just a bad head gasket. If you run the car for any length of time, does it begin to over-heat? Do you find it depletes coolant if you run it for several days? Don't pull the head yet until you've done more research. If it does over-heat and/or if it looses coolant, pull the head to 1) check the head gasket then 2) check the integrity of the head itself. Good luck.

I recommend that you take it to Honda, or a shop that specializes in Hondas, for repair. Whether it's a cracked head or a blown head gasket will involve removing and replacing the timing belt--a job that's best left for Honda-trained technicians to do. Consider replacing the timing belt and water pump, at this time. I would hold off buying a replacement head, until you get a report on the situation.

Definitely more diagnosis is needed. Has the engine been block tested?
If the head does need to come off, it is better to have experience with Honda's. The timing belt needs to come off and this engine has critical timing need during reassembly. Txgreasemonkey is correct too about the timing belt and the water pump. Other items can include but are not limited to things like thermostat, accessory drive belts, various seals, clamps and fluids, etc.
If the vehicle is worthy of repairing, spend the money to do it right.