Whether you drive an Acura Integra LS, GS, GS-R coupe or sedan, replacing the head gasket is the same procedure. You can get a broken gasket from an overheated engine or worn bolts. No matter the reason, you need to disconnect or remove the upper engine parts from the vehicle. The procedure is relatively straightforward if you have basic mechanic skills, the proper tools and an understanding of what is involved.
Allow the engine to cool before you start working under the hood of the vehicle. Detach the cables from the negative battery to the battery terminal. Position a clean pan under the radiator and unscrew the drain plug to allow the coolant to empty. Drain the motor oil into a clean drain pan. Relieve the pressure for the fuel system.
Write down the name of each car part that close to the upper portion of the engine and tag it. Remove, disconnect, slide off or unhook the belts, covers, caps, spark plugs ground wires, accelerator, power steering pump, belts, intake air duct and accessory belt. Use a wrench to remove the bolts and socket to take off the lugs.
Detach the various hoses on the vehicle: upper radiator hose, intake air bypass valve hose, lower radiator hose, brake booster vacuum tube and the evaporative emissions or "EVAP" canister hose.
Loosen and unhook the electrical connectors for the following: engine oil pressure switch connection, engine coolant temperature sensor connector, throttle position sensor, idle air control valve connector, intake air temperature sensor connector, exhaust gas recirculation valve connector, crankshaft position indicator connection, radiator fan switch connector and manifold absolute pressure sensor connection.
Line up the crankshaft marks with camshaft pulley to position the motor to top dead center. Glide the timing belt off the assembly and remove the camshaft pulley.
Use a wrench to pivot the bolts on the cylinder head one-third toward the left. Remove the bolts in the reverse torque order. For example, an Acura Integra with a 1.8-liter B18B1 engine has the following bolt numbers on the top section, starting with the left: 8, 4, 2, 6 and 10. The cylinder head bolt numbers on the bottom row are 7, 3, 1, 5 and 9. Remove the oil control orifice and lift the cylinder head off the cylinder block.
Make sure the oil control orifice, gasket mating surface and cylinder head surface are not damaged. Look for wear and tear. Lubricate the new bolts and bolt thread with motor oil. Position the new head gasket and it line up with the guiding dowel pins. Place the cylinder in position and make sure the Number 1 cylinder is set to top dead center.
Torque the new bolts in two-step process in the correct tightening pattern described in Step 6. Torque each bolt to 22 foot-pounds and then tighten to 63 foot-pounds. The longer cylinder bolts go in the Numbers 1 and 2 positions.
Replace all of the car part in the Integra. Examine for leaks. Note the tags to assist in verifying parts. Install and position exhaust manifold, intake manifold, timing belt cover, crankshaft pulley, accelerator, spark plugs and distributor.
Fill the cooling system with coolant. Refill the engine with motor oil. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the car and run for about five minutes. Evaluate the vehicle for leaks.
