have a problem

[vxhatch92]

i have a 92 vx with the stock d15z1 motor
the headgasket went out and i replaced it
but i couldnt find the torque specs for the head bolts
can anyone help with that?
also i put it all together but didnt do the bolts too tight and it still sounds like the headgasket is blown
so i tightened the bolts more and now it sputters really bad like it is way out of time
any suggestions?

[jadziasman]

You need the Honda service manual to do this correctly.

http://hondatech.info/downloads/Auto/Manuals.

[vxhatch92]

thanks man should it just be timing and torquing the bolts you think?

[mrmad]

If you are asking if you can just torque the bolts now and your current head gaskit will seal, I would seriously doubt it. Might be worth a shot but once they are blown, that's pretty much it, you need a new one. Did you replace it with a fiber gasket or a MLM (multi layer metal) gasket? Honda has a service bulletin to replace blown head gaskets with a MLM. There is a honda part #. If you want this service bulliten, pm me your email address I can email it to you.

Also, make sure you follow not only the torque specs, but the tightening order or you can warp the head. If you do take it off again, make sure you measure how flat the head and bloack are.

Also, if it is sputtering badly, you might want to double check that you got the timing belt aligned properly. If it is off a tooth, it will run like crap or not at all.

[GasSavers_Erik]

If the had was warped a little, a new gasket likely will never seal- even with the correct torque. In that case, you'd need to have the head milled flat at a machine shop.

A fair price for milling would be $60 or less. The shop I use will mill, grind valves/seats and put in new valve seals (you have to provide the seals) and aluminum 4 cylinder head for $90.

I agree with the others, its probably just out of time.

You can check to see if the new head gasket is sealing the cooling system by using a trigger type air compressor blowing attachment and spraying a quick burst of compressed air in through the overflow tube on the radiator. When you do this the pressure cap should hold in that pressure and the top rad hose should stay "inflated" for a long time.

Note: do NOT over pressurize with the air gun or you will blow up the rad and/or heater hoses. Just a quick burst will do it.

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

And if the head wasn't warped... it probably is now, running incorrectly torqued.

[vxhatch92]

well it said to torque it to 53 and i had it at 49 so i was not off by much
and i got the head resurfaced already and put a MLM headgasket
it is felpro
i think it is just out of time a bit cause i didnt have a manual lol
but i got one now and i will try the timing and check back to tell you if it works