I am going to replace my head gasket and just wanted to know if there is anything to watch out for while doing it? Anything other than just the head gasket I will need?

Anyone know of good brands and has anyone used any that lower compression a little?

 

i've used a felpro (oem like) gasket twice now on builds. works very well. you won't need anything else, except an extra set of hands. easiest way is to have a buddy hold the head up while you aline atleast two head bolts. after that just drop the head on, sandwiching the gasket in place. (also make sure you see the silver "UP" laying up and facing the back of the motor) once you get it on torque the head bolts inside to outside, so you start from the inner most and work your way to the outter most bolts in a circle. start with 25ft/lbs the step it up after all have been tightened by 10ft/lbs at a time, till you get to 75ft/lbs. honda gaskets don't require the use of a "gasket adhearing material" and are actually reusable if they are in good shape! lmk if this helps.

 

^not sure on some that info...but Yes felpro from autozone gets my vote everytime i only use that...as for aligning the head your dowel pins will do that you cant get it wrong as long as you have both them there....but as for suprises first thing to do is undo the battery..2nd is the exhuast manifold 3rd DRAIN the coolent out of the block.on the front of the block there is a 19mm very large plug undo that and step back the fluid will flow out then start with takeing the rest apart just rememeber everyhting your doing..as for compression you might as well change out the pistons to b16 pistons if you want more compression,that way you can do the rod bearings and new rings and have a nice freash motor to last you

 

I don't want to do pistons and all yet. Just the head gasket. I'd like lower compression, not higher.

This sounds like an all day thing. Figure I might as well change the timeing belt while I'm in there. Is FelPro a MLS gasket?

 

Oh yea, anyone got a good link on checking and adjusting the top end?

 

yes it will be a allday job if you have not done it b4,yes the honda headgaskets are trilayer.and sorry im used to highering compression and yes timing belt is a good thing to change to

 

I know Honda head gaskets are MLS but are the FelPro gaskets MLS also? Are ARP head studs hard to put in?

 

oh im sorry i just mean most you buy"for hondas" are 3layer so yes felpro is made just like oem and cometic..arp are very easy to install and can be done when your head gets removed but dont go with the arp unless you get a deal buy the new goldenEagle ones they are about 20bucks cheaper and same qulity

 

Something I can do in my drive way? lol

 

I wouldnt use anything but oem honda gaskets FTW! autozone crap ftl my option my 02cent.