Help with a 97 civic

[JH03S2K]

A buddy of mine bought a 97 four door civic LX with 155k on it and found out that it has a small leak in the head gasket.He did a leak down test on it and only a small amount of bubbles came out of the radiator.He also look at the top of the pistons and they was just a little moist.It's his DD and it never over heats but he want to put in a new head gasket in it. We are going to change out the head gasket so here's my question should we have head machine or can we get away with just changing out head gasket.We are working on a small budget too.Is there anything else we should do to the car while we have it tore down.


Thanks,
JJ

[repiv]

On what basis have you determined that there is a small leak in the HG? If you did a leakdown, what was the data obtained? Using a "small amount of bubbles out of the radiator" is not the criteria to conclude that the HG is in need of replacement. Leakdown is usually in terms of % loss over time. What that would be for a '97 Civic, you would have to look up.
Whether or not you will need to machine the head or the block will depend on their condition at the time you inspect it after you've got it apart. It takes a lot of effort to get to that point and the smart thing is to do whatever is needed once you're in there. If indeed the HG is compromised, there is a good chance that the metal in the head and block could also be etched.

[My_yella_s2k]

I just did a HG on a 93 civic, becuase the temp gauge was spiked at H
We pulled it off, and noticed some blackening around cyl 4... I asked my buddy if he wanted to machine it or not. I always machine it - I wouldnt want to do the HG again, once I torque everything down, then have to redo it.
it takes... ehh 2-3 days. cost of a machine shop - usually like 110-150.

If you were local, I'd do it :D

[bimdub]

key point!

its a daily driver.......so it needs to be done right......

better safe than sorry I always say.......and any job worth doing....is worth doing well......

its like changing the clutch...without machining the flywheel or replacing the release bearing in my book.......yeah it will probably work......but for how long?

[JH03S2K]

On what basis have you determined that there is a small leak in the HG? If you did a leakdown, what was the data obtained?


We have a friend that knows the tech at the honda dealer where the car was taken to for all its service.I didn't see the service report so i don't know how they determined it needed one and i wasn't there for the leak down test he did so i don't know what data was obtained i just know what he told me. When he got the car home the radiator reservoir was just about empty too.

[repiv]

We have a friend that knows the tech at the honda dealer where the car was taken to for all its service.I didn't see the service report so i don't know how they determined it needed one and i wasn't there for the leak down test he did so i don't know what data was obtained i just know what he told me. When he got the car home the radiator reservoir was just about empty too.

The coolant overflow reservoir can become empty for many reasons, most of which has nothing to do with the HG. As far as what the Honda tech tells you, you must now decide whether or not you want to believe him. Is he actually telling the truth or are you being told something by the dealer just to increase revenue? Many an unsuspecting customer have fallen prey to such dealers. Honda dealers are no exception. Why did you take the car in to begin with? What were the indications that led you to take that step? If it was purely because the coolant tank was empty, that was not a good reason to have a leakdown test done.

[JH03S2K]

The coolant overflow reservoir can become empty for many reasons, most of which has nothing to do with the HG. As far as what the Honda tech tells you, you must now decide whether or not you want to believe him. Is he actually telling the truth or are you being told something by the dealer just to increase revenue? Many an unsuspecting customer have fallen prey to such dealers. Honda dealers are no exception. Why did you take the car in to begin with? What were the indications that led you to take that step? If it was purely because the coolant tank was empty, that was not a good reason to have a leakdown test done.


We toke it in based on what the tech said in his report.I ask my buddy about the leak down test and he said it lost 8% pressure.

[darkside]

You should also check the sleeves for cracks, honestly if its a sohc motor it would be cheaper just to pick up another one and drop it in.

whats the total amount of leak down? only 8%?

Also no compression test was done prior to taking the head off?

[JH03S2K]

You should also check the sleeves for cracks, honestly if its a sohc motor it would be cheaper just to pick up another one and drop it in.

whats the total amount of leak down? only 8%?

Also no compression test was done prior to taking the head off?

The total leak down was 8%.The head is still on the car.

[JH03S2K]

Why did you take the car in to begin with?
We also found out that the previous had it over heat on them.That's another reason why we started looking in to a HG.

[repiv]

We also found out that the previous had it over heat on them.That's another reason why we started looking in to a HG.

Overheating can be caused by a stuck thermostat or an air lock. The HG wouldn't be one of the first things I'd consider. 8% leakdown for such a high mileage engine is not so bad. You might want to consider a second opinion before having the HG changed. Make sure there is no other reason why the engine coolant is being lost and why it overheated.

[darkside]

8% total leak down is not bad at all. Actually its very good for that miles.

Also did you guys check the thermostat? Instead of buying a new one, just run the thermostat open ( cut the prongs ).

Do a compression check as well. Also fill up the radiator once again and check for choclate milk after the car is warmed up.