We have had this '99 Accord for about 2-3 months, driven it about 7000 miles and I kept having this nagging feeling that the head gasket was leaking. Occasionally loosing coolant and mild overheating issues. Oil always has looked good (not milky), coolant didn't look like it had oil in it. It seems like it doesn't have the power it should. So today I borrowed the cylinder leak down tester from work and got bubbles out the radiator cap when cyl #1 was at TDC.
Is there anything specific that should always be done when the head gasket is changed? I recently replaced the timing belt and did tune up stuff. I was going to get the head gasket kit that has all the other gaskets with it.

 

Normal stuff, get it milled by a machine shop.....should be good to go.

 

How much should it cost to get it milled? I'm guessing I need to remove the valves for that or not? I've done a lot of mechanic work on cars and small engines, but the last head gasket job I did was on a wreck that I did just for fun, so it didn't matter.

 

I'd call around for prices. Some will pressure test (checking for cracks/straightness-which menas leave the valve train in place) and resurface from there.

 

Make sure it's a good shop. It needs to be perfectly flat and level.

 

I think I paid about $250 for last head I had rebuilt (valves reseated, new stem seals, leak checked, and milled flat). This is an essential step to insure your head gasket replacement works.

good luck