I have a 1998 Accord EX, 2.3 L4 with a blown head gasket. Would you recommend removoing the head, having it milled, adding all new gaskets, hardware and timing belt while I'm in there, or just replacing the blown head gasket motor with a good used replacement from a wreck? Is it fairly easy to remove the engine - transmission assembly from this car? Are there any classic pitfalls to watch out for?

I am very mechanically inclined, and have worked on all kinds of vehicles through the years, so this work isn't difficult, or new, I just want opinions on which avenue is the best to take in this situation. I can get a good used motor for approx. $500.

-adam

 

As far as "classic pitfalls" the only ones I can think of off the top of my head are the half shafts can be a royal pain to remove. As for suggestions I'd just remove the head and have it inspected/milled as needed and replace the gasket. If your car is close to needing the timing belt done then I'd do the belt, seals and water pump while you have everything out.

 

What is the approx. cost of a head gasket, new head bolts, water pump,a timing belt, intake and exhaust gaskets, all from Honda?? (I've heard it recommended to use new bolts from Honda). I have access to a used motor with 96k for $250 with a 1 year warranty. Could I do better than that replacing the gasket? I'm not sure how much milling the head would run me either.....

 

I used to race an older 4 cyl car, when we brought the head in the shop charged us $40.00 to machine it. Head bolts: no idea on cost, Head Gasket: $20?? Timing Belt, Pump, Seals: $150.00 ish

Even with that used motor there is probably going to be some gaskets etc that will need replaced. As long as the motor you have is good I'd just do the work. Not to mention if the replacement motor has 96k on it you may need to do the timing belt on that one as well.

 

Thanks for the help there.....I'm leaning toward just fixing the motor, as its probably a lot easier than pulling the whole drivetrain, splitting the engine/trans, adding a new motor and reinstalling. Can everything be done fairly easily; there are no classic hangups on stuff like non-accessable bolts, bolts that break off, parts that end up lost, etc?

 

Crankshaft Pulley bolt is the worst bolt on that motor to get off.... Hard to reach ones are typically the exhaust manifold bolts and motor mounts. If there is more than that I'm not certain but I have never personally done an engine swap on that motor. If you're just doing the head then you won't need to remove it anyway, then you only have the exhaust manifold bolts and crankshaft pulley bolt (that thing sucks.... over 180 ft/lbs of torque on it.... BIG IMPACT GUN)