D15B2 head replacement

[andmo123]

I've got an 88 civic hatchback that appears to be getting coolant in the #3 cylinder. I live in PHOENIX (108 today). Car runs fine till being shut off for 10 minutes or so. Then, upon startup, it stumbles and sputters
till it burns out a small amount of antifreeze that has made it's way into the cylinder. I have taken a turkey baster with hose and removed this antifreeze so I know it's getting in there. I'm gonna pull the head this weekend and I wanted to know if anyone has experience with these and should I look out for anything in particular? The guy at the head shop (deals only in heads) told me these heads very rarely crack. I'm gonna assume it's only the head gasket (engine has 180k miles) has dual point FI and is stock. Any feedback would be appreciated. Experience is priceless and I have none with these engines..... yet.

[itechengineers]

before i say anything... have you ever done a head gasket on a honda before?

[andmo123]

I've never done a honda head. I took the head off last night and everything looks ok but the gasket material near the water jackets is all shot. Engine has 180k. I was amazed that there is little or no wear ridge in the cylinders. Pick up the new (rebuilt head today). Thanks for your reply!

[itechengineers]

hey thats cool. I was going to suggest that you pull off the train from the head, pull out the vavles and clean them/ the head ports also. I was shocked to see a lot of black crusty buildup on mine, but since your getting a completely new or rebuilt head = thats sweet.

Since the engine has 180k, I'd like to suggest a new timing belt and or water pump. Espically if your unsure about how many miles are currently on the one you have on your motor.

On the block, ensure its a smooth surface, run your fingers across it and if its not, clean it up before you slap on a new head gasket.

Also, if you've never done a head job before, I have to say, when putting the head back on you are suppose to use BRAND new head bolts. you can still use the same old ones, but its not recommended. dont worry, 2 friends of mine didnt have the cash for them so they reuse the same one and everything is good on there motors.

Torque = do you have a manual to help you out? your suppose to torque the head bolts down in a particular order, at differents torque sets until you reach the proper setting.

Let me know about the torque specs or timing relaterd info, I will post more if you need the help and im quite sure there are others on here that are willing to help out.

[andmo123]

I finished replacing the head and all's well. I was suprised at the head bolt torque of only 49 lbs. I guess that's cuz they're aluminum.
car runs great now.