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jordanw23 · Jul 19, 2005, 07:22 PM

94 Civic Coupe w/1.5 Liter Engine.
If someone could point me somewhere that will assist me in replacing a head gasket on my civic that would be extremelly helpful.

labman · Jul 19, 2005, 07:46 PM

I have done head gaskets on some other things, and on a modern engine, it as a big task. I won't touch it here. Get a manual. You may have to do with a Chilton's or Haynes, but maybe check Ebay etc. for a used real shop manual. They have far more detail the inexperienced need. You can come back here for translations and make dos for special tools.

Be sure and replace the timing belt while you have things apart. If the water pump is hard to get to, replace it too.

Unlike me, Cro Civic has specific Honda experience.

CroCivic91 · Jul 20, 2005, 04:19 AM

Here is a great write up on how to swap an engine head from one Civic to another (it's the 6th generation, 1996-2000, but it should help you - yours can only be easier). It will give you an idea of what you have to do to lift the head up from the engine, to replace the head gasket. Then you can proceed with the write up, but ignore the whole VTEC wiring and stuff (he swapped a VTEC head on a previously non-VTEC engine, so he had to wire VTEC and everything, which you are not doing). It is also a 1.6 liter engine, but basically, it's all the same.

One thing to notice... when you take the head off, there is a sequence in which you should undo the bolts. It should be written in your manual (I strongly suggest you get one if you don't have it).

Also, when tightening the head back on, there is a sequence in which bolts should be tightened, and also you should tighten them in 2 stages. First tighten them all to around 30Nm (find a converter for lbs/feet), and then to what ever manual specifies.

If you need more help, do let me know, I'll try to answer them.

jordanw23 · Jul 20, 2005, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by CroCivic91

Here is a great write up on how to swap an engine head from one Civic to another

You never stated the source? What write up?

CroCivic91 · Jul 21, 2005, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by jordanw23

You never stated the source? What write up?

Holy crap... so sorry.

Here it is: http://www.jdmuniverse.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=32971

jordanw23 · Jul 21, 2005, 04:01 PM

Thanks, I might attempt to do this instead of spending $700 just for a new head gasket install.

CroCivic91 · Jul 22, 2005, 04:13 AM

Do let us know how it goes. The work itself seems pretty straightforward.

Simpleton · Aug 30, 2005, 07:58 AM

Since I facing the same job, how did it go?
I see you can drop 10USD EACH for special
Head bolts which you only need to tighten once.
The gasket kit is on eBay for about 100. So
You save 500 . Lot of work to save 500 but
You do it yourself it probably gets done
Correctly.
I also think there are two gaskets, one that
Is for leakers.
Mine runs like a top but water comes out the
Tailpipe. The chance you take is that it
May not be the gasket... it may be a crack
In the block or head.

jordanw23 · Aug 30, 2005, 11:57 AM

Well we ran something in there forget what its called and its like a quick seal liquid thing. It did seal it for a time but not for long. The Civic has had its days and we were looking for something else to start with. It is now for sale.

Simpleton · Aug 30, 2005, 03:40 PM

Yes I've heard of them. I was tempted but
Im too old to fall for it. More or less glue
Of somekind.
Thx for responding it stiffens my resolve not
To buy Patent Remedies.
By the way, if the car is worth it, a used
Motor may very well be the way to go. I
See several sources online that import
Midlife JDM units.