Honda Civic Head Gasket Replacement 1.7L
3 min read
1 month ago
Published on May 12, 2025
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Table of Contents
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.