The CR-V is a compact crossover that has been manufactured by Honda since 1995. It is powered by a 2.4-liter gas engine that has an output of 160 horsepower and 160 foot-pounds of torque. A blown head gasket on the CR-V can cause serious damage to the engine by mixing the engine coolant with the engine oil. If you have basic auto repair knowledge and possess a few common shop tools, you can replace the gasket yourself.
Position the new cylinder head gasket and dowel pins on the cylinder block. Always use a new gasket. Set the crankshaft to top dead center (TDC) position. Align the top dead center (TDC) mark on the crankshaft sprocket with chalk or a marker on the cylinder block.
Install the cylinder head on the block. Measure the diameter of each cylinder head bolt. If the diameter is less than 0.42-inch, replace the cylinder head bolt. Apply engine oil to the bolt threads and under the bolt heads for all of the cylinder head bolts.
Tighten the cylinder head bolts 29 foot-pounds, using a beam-type torque wrench. If you use a preset-type torque wrench, be sure to tighten slowly and do not over-tighten the bolts. If a bolt makes any noise while you are torquing it, loosen the bolt and re-tighten it from the beginning. After torquing, tighten all cylinder head bolts in two steps (90 degrees per step). If you are using a new cylinder head bolt, tighten the bolt an extra 90 degrees.
Install the rocker arm assembly. Connect the water bypass hose. Tighten the connecting pipe mounting bolt and brake booster vacuum line mounting bolts, and then install the harness holder on the bracket. Install the upper radiator hose and heater hose.
Connect the water bypass hose. Install the intake and exhaust manifolds. Install the cam chain. Attach the fuel feed hose. Adjust the valve clearance. Install the drive belt. Clean the battery posts and cable terminals with sandpaper, then assemble them and apply grease to prevent corrosion. After installation, check that all tubes, hoses and connectors are installed correctly. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open. Inspect the idle speed. Check the engine for leaks.
