Honda Civic Head Gasket Replacement 1.7L

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to replacing the head gasket on a 1.7L Honda engine, specifically designed for a 2005 Honda Civic but applicable to other Honda models with the same engine. Follow these steps to ensure a successful head gasket replacement, including practical tips and torque specifications.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Parts

Before starting the replacement, ensure you have all required tools and parts:

Tools Needed

• Body clip tool
• Air hammer with bits
• Hood prop
• CRC brake cleaner
• Non-aerosol brake clean sprayer
• ARP bolt lube
• Cylinder head stands
• Bolt biter sockets
• Stud sockets

Parts Needed

• Head gasket
• Intake gasket
• Exhaust manifold gasket
• Complete gasket set
• Thermostat (19301-PLC-315 or 19301-REA-305)
• Spark plugs (NGK: PZFR6F-11)
• Coolant temperature sensor (37870-PLC-004)

Practical Tips

• Consider using high-quality gaskets to prevent future leaks.
• Keep your workspace organized to avoid losing small parts.

Step 2: Prepare the Engine

Disconnect Battery

• Remove the negative terminal from the battery to prevent electrical shorts.

Drain Fluids

• Drain engine coolant and oil to avoid spills during the gasket replacement.

Remove Components

• Remove the intake manifold and exhaust manifold.
• Detach any components obstructing access to the cylinder head, such as hoses, wiring, or engine covers.

Step 3: Remove the Cylinder Head

Loosen Head Bolts

• Follow the specific sequence for loosening head bolts to prevent warping. Generally, start from the center and work your way outwards.

Lift Cylinder Head

• Carefully lift the cylinder head off the engine block. Use cylinder head stands if necessary.

Step 4: Clean Surfaces

Inspect and Clean

• Inspect the cylinder head and engine block for cracks or damage.
• Clean the mating surfaces thoroughly using brake cleaner and a plastic scraper.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Ensure all old gasket material is removed to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Install New Head Gasket

Position Gasket

• Place the new head gasket onto the engine block, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins.

Install Cylinder Head

• Carefully position the cylinder head back onto the block.

Step 6: Torque Head Bolts

Follow Torque Specifications

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the head bolts in the specified sequence. Refer to the manual for precise torque specs.

Typical Torque Sequence

• First pass: Tighten to a specific low torque.
• Second pass: Increase to the final torque specifications.

Step 7: Reassemble Components

Reattach Manifolds

• Reinstall the intake and exhaust manifolds, followed by any other components removed earlier.

Refill Fluids

• Refill the engine with oil and coolant.

Step 8: Reconnect Battery and Test

Reconnect

• Reattach the negative battery terminal.

Test Engine

• Start the engine and check for leaks. Monitor the engine temperature to ensure it operates within normal ranges.

Conclusion

Replacing the head gasket on a 1.7L Honda engine involves careful preparation, precise execution, and thorough cleaning. By following these steps, you can successfully complete the replacement and enjoy a leak-free engine. If issues persist, consider consulting a professional mechanic for further diagnosis.