Honda Head Gasket Bulletin

taw0282

So I was ordering some parts today to replace my head gasket on my 88 RT4WD along with my water pump and timing belt. I read a Honda bulletin that talks about using a special head gasket and head bolts when replacing a leaking head gasket, Part #90005-PM3-004 for head bolts and Part # 12251-P01-004 for the head gasket is what is recommended in the Honda bulletin. What I want to know is this really necessary, a good idea, or a must to fix coolant loss?? The head gasket and bolts are very expensive compared to OEM replacement. So I am asking the pros at this site for your help, suggestions, links, write ups or anything that would help, this is my first head gasket replacement on a Honda. Thanks for all the help.

evol911

Head gaskets are fairly easy to do and depending on the miles it might not be a bad thing to do also. In my experience, OEM Honda has always been the best for a stock engine. But yes the Honda prices do get outrageous on somethings. OEM parts aren't necessary but would be ideal. I know stuff like water pumps and such are better quality from Honda but picking up a timing belt from a parts store shouldn't give you any problems. As much of a pain in the ass it is, I tend to use Honda fluids and filters. It comes down to what you want to spend, OEM is very good but there are many companies that make parts as good if not better. Stay away from Parts Store water pumps, oil pumps, etc.
Depending on the price of these "special" Honda head bolts(Sorry I aven't read the bulletin so I have no imformation about these), I would go with ARP http://www.arp-bolts.com/. The website doesn't have prices but if you do a search you can probably find a price. Might be cheaper than OEM Honda. Same with the headgasket, Cometic makes good head
gaskets also.

Sorry, I'm rushing this a bit 'cause I'm heading to the beach right this instant...

davens

If its the bulletin I'm thinking of...
D16a6s originally came with a composite head gasket. They didn't hold up as well as Hondas were known to do...leaking head gaskets were not unheard of at 100k. Honda switched to all metal head gaskets. Coincidentally, these weren't a new part. They just started using the head gaskets from the D16z6(92-95 si). Which are reasonably priced.
San Leandro Honda lists 12251-P08-004 for $52.

ARP head studs and the oem all metal gaskets have proven to be an excellent solution for D-series rebuilds, even mildly boosted applications.

B18C5-EH2

Actually you can use the less expensive 96-00 Civic EX head gasket.

$23.22 as seen here:

Click Me

Here's the exploded pic from their website:



I used this exact gasket when I built my 11:1CR D16A6 about 4-5 years ago, and it still runs 100% perfect to this day and powers one of our own HCW wagons owned by Dcmullis.

Here's something I did that I might suggest though - I actually used the 1996 Civic head boltv torque specs since the gasket is metal, and requires a different spec than the original fiber gasket the D16A6 has.

The tightening sequence i used is a FOUR step process:

1. 14ft-lb.

2. 36ft-lb.

3. 49ft-lb.

4. 49ft-lb. on two center bolts

If any bolts make noise when tightening, remove and start again. Dip threads in engine oil prior to dropping them in the holes to be tightened.

I will have to say that I've never been a big fan of replacing blown head gaskets due to overheating though. a lot of times if an engine has been overheated badly enough to pop a head gasket it was also heated enough to warp the head deck surface, which can be milled, but also untold damages occur to the rings, bearings, and block deck surface may also be warped, win which case the gasket will never seal without decking the block.

B18C5-EH2

How rude of me - I forgot to list the part number:

12251-P2J-004

taw0282

If I use a different head gasket then stock, like the 96 civic head gasket, then how do I know what head bolts will fit. I really hope that the block or head are not warped because the machine shop in town charges as much to mill and inspect the head as it is to buy a rebuilt one with valve work completed. If I have to get a new head, any suggestions on were to get a complete head that is quality. Thanks

alupso1

Does that 96 EX MLS head gasket also work for D15B2? I have a 1989 Civic LX that I'm about to replace the headgasket on and really don't like the composite gaskets.

imdbui

did you guys get answers to the last 2 questions?

1988rt

I've always used the 92-95 Civic ex metal head gasket, never had any serious problems

saveacivic

i love composite gaskets! they help fill imperfections if there are any and they are super cheap. I have used the same kits from ebay for over 10 years now and they are cheap (full engine gasket kits are less than $40!) and customers eat it up. I stock them deep

hondamatic

i am also going through this right now, bought the head kit from honda but it came with the graphite gasket, wondering if its a bad idea to use this or should spring for the MLS? also wondering if there were any answers for the questions above, thanks!

hidenplanvew

Felpro are the only headgaskets I use.. I use them on my 800whp gsr and no problems yet.. But i rebuild it every winter cause it see's alot of track time

hondamatic

B18C5-EH2 wrote:

How rude of me - I forgot to list the part number:

12251-P2J-004

verified! used this in my stock 90 DX m/t with stock head bolts and works like a charm!!!

willsmorke

Honda metal head gasket from a 96-00 Civic EX rather than the crappy stock 88-91 fiber stock head gasket, and it resued the old head bolts. It torqued the bolts to the 96 head bolt specs since It was using the metal gasket.