Civic-EG.com Forum 3.3.1

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 3:02 pm #250400 Hi, I have a d16z6 which was rebuilt about 8-9k miles ago. Since then I've been getting problems.

Just had another new clutch put in as the other one had busted (this car isn't my daily either, and I don't drive hard or do wheel spins etc). Also had the flywheel skimmed this time round.

Some of you remember my post recently regarding an idle issue (which is still there).

A new problem is I'm finding traces of oil in my expansion tank.

The pics shall do the talking;





And the colour of the coolant I've just emptied. Not quite as pink really, far more browner.



The guy who initially built it I believe was learning, so is it possible now that the head gasket has gone due to it not being done right or is this another common problem.


Something to also add which may be related, I had a fan issue where by when the fan was required to kick in, it didn't. This causing the temp to increase. A friend drove it who forgot about it and he drove it hard and then pulled up at a shop and left it running while I was in another car to meet him. I got out and I could smell it cooking basically. But this occured about 1500-2000miles ago I believe..

I had the fan switch changed but didn't do anything. Then I changed the coolant and since then it never done it since... Odd.

Im not going to go on about it but this is now my current problem lol.

Thanks in advanced.
Paul

[teal_dx]

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 4:23 pm #250405 That is definitely a bad head gasket, if not a warped head from overheating.

Do Not PM me your technical questions. Post them in the forum!
My 1992 SOHC Turbo Hatch
My Youtube Channel: 6th Gear Garage

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 5:20 pm #250411

Right, time to get the job done right!

With the oily residue amongst the coolant, would you advise me to change every single hose, including the ones behind the dash?

I'll order a new radiator/fan, get the head skimmed, change intake/exhaust gaskets and valve cover gasket too.

Anything else I should whilst I'm at it?

Can't believe this is meant to be a 'freshly' build engine .

[teal_dx]

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 5:45 pm #250414 I think as long as you go a good job of flushing out the cooling system then there will be no need to change every hose.

Don't forget new head bolts, just in case...

Also check on the condition of your oil too. You don't want coolant mixed with the oil because then it will not properly lubricate the bearings.

The valve cover gasket should be fine. No need to buy a new radiator either unless yours is in bad shape (missing a lot of fins).

Flushing it out should make it usable again.

Just inspect the head and block for any warping or cracks when you pull the head off.

Do Not PM me your technical questions. Post them in the forum!
My 1992 SOHC Turbo Hatch
My Youtube Channel: 6th Gear Garage

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:07 pm #250415 Yeah I'll change the oil and oil filter too.

As far as flushing the system goes, how exactly do you mean, Teal?

Excuse my stupiditiy, would I get a hose and hose water through (low pressure) until clear water comes out?

Shall I get ARP head bolts?

Thanks for your help!

[teal_dx]

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:37 pm #250416

Excuse my stupiditiy, would I get a hose and hose water through (low pressure) until clear water comes out?

Shall I get ARP head bolts?

Thanks for your help!

Yep that's exactly how I would do it normally to clean out the coolant system, except you may want to check if there's any kind of detergent that is available and safe to mix in when flushing to help remove the oil.

When flushing and refilling, never run cold water through a hot engine or I heard it can crack the block.

ARP's are only about $10 more than new OEM head bolts from the dealership, and the ARP's are re-usable while the D15b7 OEM's are only supposed to be used once.

Do Not PM me your technical questions. Post them in the forum!
My 1992 SOHC Turbo Hatch
My Youtube Channel: 6th Gear Garage

- Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:53 pm #250418 Thank you for your help! I shall start ordering some goodies asap then!

- Fri Apr 15, 2011 7:59 pm #250612 Ok update, been a good boy today and finished work early.

Removed the head and here is a picture of the block with the headgasket still on;



With the gasket taken off the block;



And here is a pic that I'm a little concerned about. The edge of the cylinder is a little... burnt? Hm. Other than that, it's in quite good condition.




Now just need to get the head skimmed and I'm going to order the bits I need tonight.

Is there anything to advise me whilst I'm in this current position? I will also be replacing the oil filter and oil.