so I have an advice question. does anyone here think it would be smarter to bring my car in to have the head work done for $2000 with the car at the shop for upwards of 2 weeks, or to just get a new(used) head and swap it out myself?

 

The DIY option w/ used head will be much cheaper. If you've ever done a timing belt you should be fine. Check ebay and car-part.com for used head options.


What happened to your head to require replacement?


good luck

 

The K24 has a timing chain; so, you'll probably need a service manual if you don't already have one.

 

Low oil pressure, lost chain tension and jumped timing by almost a quarter turn of the intake cam. I now have nearly zero compression on all four cylinders. Buying a new head instead of paying the almost 2 grand for the repair of the current head. Does anyone know how much of a difference connection wise a TSX head would be versus the accord head?

 

Suggest replacing the chain tensioner and tensioner actuator also. They may be damaged.


Same head from a K24 engine should be similar price. There is significant price difference between salvage yards.


good luck

 

But I know the TSX head has a third set of cam, I am worried that the accord computer might not work right with it.

 

Unless you like solving interface problems, go w/ an exact replacement head.


good luck

 

Thanks for the advice, oem it is

 

So I went and bought a used head from a recycler (Beltsville Auto Recyclers in Baltimore, if anyone in the Maryland area needs parts, they really are awesome people). So got the old head off, ready to start reinstalling everything, and I noticed the Pistons are dirty as hell. Is there any way of cleaning them in place without doing any damage to the block?

 

Turn the crank & put 2 pistons at TDC & work them. That covers up the cylinder walls.

Solvents & scraping with something soft. I've used a plastic putty-knife. I've also used a normal metal putty knife, but that's scary considering what might happen if I slip.

It's always an effort to prevent crud from falling down towards the rings.