1991 Honda Accord Overheating problems?

DAKYDD

MEMBER
1991 HONDA ACCORD

Engine Cooling problem
1991 Honda Accord 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I had an incident a while back where the top of my radiator had a crack near the cap. Tries sealant to replace it since I didn't have the money/time to replace it. When I finally got it replaced, I still had the problem where it would overhead and all the coolant/water would be gone. I had the thermostat changes, problem exist. Had the oil changed and noticed that the oil was an "mocha coffee" color. Now the car still overheats with exhaust smoke coming out the coolant reserve jug and white smoke from the tailpipe. Everyone has diagnosed that blown headgasket is the problems. Now.I would like to get it fixed but not to spend a lot doing it. I've gotten a quote already of about $800 (remove head from an "pull-apart"/labor/parts), should I do it? Or should I do it myself since I have the time? Price of an good head from an Honda part place is $225-$250, should I get the one on the car machined, or go and get one from an junkyard/pull-apart place? What is the level of difficulty of replacing this myself? Most difficult repairs I've done are distributor, altinator, CV axle (passenger), radiator, rotors, shocks (all). Are there special tools that I would need as well? Thank you.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi DaKydd,

You need to remove the crank pulley which requires a special tool if you do not have a high torque impact torque wrench.

It is a straight forward job but you must ensure the timing belts markings are noted before attempting to remove them.

Since the engine had been overheating for quite some time, there is a possibility the block surface needing to be refaced.

Refacing the head would be cheaper but you must ensure the rockers are not worn, if not a head from the scrap yard would be better.

Do remember to replace the valve seals, it would save you a lot of oil.