Head gasket replacement

KALEB FRIZZELL

MEMBER
1996 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
181,000 MILES

I have a D16Y7 motor with 180,000 miles it has no problems except that it was leaking oil. I have the engine on a stand right now and am going to replace everything that can leak. I want to do the headgasket too and want to know if I will have to get the head resurfaced if it doesn't have any leaks or problems.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,465 POSTS

The only way to know for sure will require you to pull the head and use a straightedge to measure the head and block for any warping or damage.
This is a fel-pro video on the process. The straightedge is the more important item to use, the surface finish should be fine unless the gasket surface is damaged so be very careful when you remove the old gasket. If you have no warping or damage then you can just use a new gasket and put it back together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=235BvFJw3Hc

I would probably do a valve job on it if the valves or guides show wear as you already have it apart, might also give it a quick cylinder hone and new rings for the same reason, but that would be your call on that. If it wasn't burning any oil and the bores look good it would likely be fine.