I've always had head rebuilt at a machine shop. They inspect for cracks, install new stem seals, reseat valves, new valves, and machine head flat. It cost about $250 for last (94 EX) 4-cylinder head gasket I performed.

good luck

 

If you have never done it before with help by someone to show you the "fine points" - I would not try it.

Checking the guides and lapping in the valves is not something you want to "guess at".

Just my opinion.

I've had help and played with heads off old v8 chevy's - if I was REALLY in a pinch I would do it but my choice would be to let someone else do it.

EDIT - and once again TX posted as I was typing.

 

Thanks so much guys. Do you guys have any suggestions for a place to get reman cylinder head?

Also, anyway can get "valve compressing tool" as a loaner or something cheap, because tool alone is $75.

Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

 

Again, just to be clear. If you have never done this and don't have someone who is good at doing this to help. A DIY head/valve job is out of the question.

A "good place" for a reman head - I have no idea? You'll have to search and check for reviews.

Did the machine shop give an "estimate"? The only reason I suggested a reman head is the fact that you stated ~11 valves need replacing, were not seating/sealing. So with that I'd guess a few guides are worn to the point of needing replacement as well.

So my "ruff" math of $20 per valve, add $20 for guides (four or so) plus the normal re-surface and labor charge - reman heads online go for around $350.

Again, just my opinion.

 

Agree w/ PM. This is no place for 1st time DIY.

Only cheaper option is likely a used head. However this carries a risk of hidden problems. You can check major parts suppliers for a rebuilt head, but I have no idea about their quality.

good luck

 

Completely understand and thanks for giving your valuable opinions. Machine shop guy is asking $270 for all valves, plus $70 if head needs resurfacing.

Valves from RockAuto are ~ $120 shipped to door.

Again, no guides are includes in this, if we add guide and resurfacing can easily end up with ~$500 for this existing head.

Re-manufactured head we can get on ebay for less than $400, but what would be the guarantee of that head, that's the question?

What do you guys advise, ebay reman head or stick to this head and let the machine shop guy fix it?

Thanks again guys for helping out.

 

Tough call. Look at ebay vendor track record.

For ebay source, anything over 1% complaints, I would look elsewhere. Anything over 2%, I would not use.

That price for machine shop seems high. Suggest you look for alternative machine shops and ask at parts stores for tips on machine shops.

If you're in a hurry, I would go w/ local machine shop, even if higher cost.

good luck

 

Thanks so much guys. This is the one I am looking at, seems reasonably priced and have good reviews/feedback too:

Honda Civic DX LX D17A1 1 7 SOHC Rebuilt Cylinder Head 01 05 PMR No Core Require | eBay

Please feel free to advise what you think or if have any better suggestions/idea?

 

Looks like a good choice. Checked for "World Product Reviews" and found a bit which seemed overall positive.

good luck

 

Just bought the head and will keep you guys posted, thanks so much for all of your support, help and cooperation.