ZC problem possibly sticky

Hey I could use some info.


I have a 90 JDM ZC and i did a head gasket on it the other day.
In the all of the confusion i lost the orginal timing marks. when i set the crank to tdc and the cams with the up marks on the back of the cam gears it looked all good (unless i done something wrong with that set up) I turned the crank with belt on and it spun smoothley but when my intake cam lobe presses down on the lifter and then lifts i see that my valves stick down or open. and then i spin a little more the valve snap up. I freak me out the first time it happened. i thought it was bent valves but i took the belt off and spun the cam alone they move free and great. Any body have any suggestions. could it possibly be the valve guides be sticky scince i haven't oiled them yet?

plz heldp anybody!!!

Also what are the valves i replace them with if i have to replace them? Out of an 89 integra?

Did you do the head gasket just because you didnt feel like waiting for it to go or did the headgasket go and you had to due it. If you let it overheat you might have damaged the guides.

Also, what head gasket did you use? I got a DOHC ZC and was just curious.

89 integra headgasket

wrong 1phatCX it is a 1988 Prelude 2.0 Si. Honda part # 14400-PK2-004

I thought it was the 89 Integra too? Isn't the it the Timing Belt is for a 88 Prelude 2.0 Si?

I thought it was the 89 Integra too? Isn't the it the Timing Belt is for a 88 Prelude 2.0 Si?


same here, everyone says the DOHC ZC is almost exactly like a 89 teg motor except it uses an 88 prelude timing belt

wrong 1phatCX it is a 1988 Prelude 2.0 Si. Honda part # 14400-PK2-004
No dude, your thinking of the timing belt, thats the part number for the belt. Hes talking about a head gasket that is for a fact from an integra and the part number is 12251-PM7-003.

My bad guys. i miss red it

"Did you do the head gasket just because you didnt feel like waiting for it to go or did the headgasket go and you had to due it. If you let it overheat you might have damaged the guides.

Also, what head gasket did you use? I got a DOHC ZC and was just curious"


Well the head gasket was just starting to leak and was cutting out power to the 2 cylinders. And yes it is a 89 integ head gasket.

update i took the head off and the timing must of been off because the valve was hitting the piston slighty. no damage thankfully but i have to send the head away to get plained down and the replace the valve guides. i just hope the valves are not bent.

Does anybodie know the timing marks for the ZC? I know the up mark is on the inside of the cam gear but do we have to line up the dashes up evenly? anybody have a web site for me to see. i have the stock ajustable cam gears.

plx help.

i have the stock ajustable cam gears.


the stock cam gears are not adjustable what so ever, are you sure you dont have aftermarket ones? post pics if u can

search in google or yahoo for "dohc zc swap" without the qoutes. If i can find the link I will that shows you how to set the timing. I still havent been able to find a timing mark on my DOHC ZC.