Headgasket Problems/Engine Problems

[4G4D Store]

Guys - need help,

I installed a used D16A6 motor into a DX 4dr about a month ago. Before I put it in I went through and did the normal stuff - headgasket, timing belt, water pump etc. When I start it up - it's burning a little oil/coolant - I assume it's just burning some of the extra stuff out and tell him to watch it. It idles perfect and runs with what feels like full power - no power loss. Well, the burning didn't go away - an it looks more like a whiter tint of smoke - so I'm thinking antifreeze. So I tell him to bring the car back in and I'll put a new head gasket in it - maybe the old one didn't seal right or something. So I pull the motor apart - clean the old headgasket off, put the new one on and torque it down to ~45 ft lbs of torque. Well, needless to say it's still burning something, and it almost seems worse. I just had my client take the car for a drive to see if it's just some fluid on the pistons or something that needs to be burned off or whatever. Is there something else that could be causing this problem. I didn't notice any crackes in the block, and the only other thing I can think of is a warped head. Any ideas would be great.

[EF You]

did it show traces on the headgasket from coolant leaking?

check the pressure of the coolant system. if its too high, or you get bubbles when the engine is revved, somehow engine compression is leaking into the coolant system

another small thing that most people overlook is the small coolant lines that run through various intake components. one of those components might be cracked internally, and leaking coolant into the intake system. if the engine isnt bubbling the coolant with the radiator off, and it isnt building up abnormal pressure, then try bypassing all the little coolant lines by taking the one that comes off the block and rerouting it to the one that goes back into the block,.

[4G4D Store]

Can those coolant lines be left re-routed, or would you recommend replacing the intake manifold? I think I'll try that next. The head gasket didn't look to bad - there were a couple spots that had coolant or oil, but not bad. I also think I torqued it down in the wrong pattern the first time. But I'll definitly try rerouting those coolant lines and see if that makes a difference.

[EF You]

i have them bypassed on my b16 car, and it didnt negatively effect anything. in really cold climates it might though. all it does in warm climates is heat up the intake tract, which is why i bypassed it. its not necessary here in louisiana, and i figured why would i want hot air going into my engine.

[1PhatCX]

check the cat, if it blew a headgasket before then there moisture in the cat, and when it warms up it will blow out the exhaust. i know a guy that had that happen to him, took awhile for it to go away

[johnb16a2]

Originally Posted by incucivic

did it show traces on the headgasket from coolant leaking?

check the pressure of the coolant system. if its too high, or you get bubbles when the engine is revved, somehow engine compression is leaking into the coolant system

another small thing that most people overlook is the small coolant lines that run through various intake components. one of those components might be cracked internally, and leaking coolant into the intake system. if the engine isnt bubbling the coolant with the radiator off, and it isnt building up abnormal pressure, then try bypassing all the little coolant lines by taking the one that comes off the block and rerouting it to the one that goes back into the block,.

Good call with the intake coolant lines! The intake manifold might be fine, check the gasket first. GL