Head Gasket Replacement: Part 1 [2003 Honda Civic]

In this video series I show how to replace a head gasket on a 2003 Honda civic. The gasket blew when I was 260 miles away from home! The good part is that I get to show YOU guys!

[@dillbulgogi]

Thanks for the clear view of disassembly! it's hard to find good videos for 7th gen civic head removal!

[@pruck23]

This really makes me love my camry.. a 4 cylinder in an engine bay designed to hold a v6 is one of the best luxuries in owning a car

[@wdbne00]

Hey I just recently replaced my head gasket and used your vids. They were a huge help. I have a Haynes book but it's better to see the actual work. So thanks for putting it online and keep up the good work. My civic came out great when I was done and runs good. I have an idle air valve that's sticking open but that's no big deal. it was a huge help and I sub to your channel. thanks!!

[@MattsMotorz]

Awesome! Glad the videos helped!

[@bereanmike]

FYI doing this removal today. Found out you can leave the intake manifold attached to the cylinder head and remove in one assembly. Saved a lot of grief. Just remove hoses and fuel rail and bracket nuts on the bottom of the intake.

[@derschafer1012]

If anyone is doing belts on their Civic or just tightening them, those wingnuts are usually seized. I just used a 1/2 flex head ratchet and a 12pt, 27mm socket. It fit right over the wingnut and worked like a charm.

[@monicalines7683]

I have a similar video on a 2003 head gasket, and I really appreciated watching your video and how thorough it was.

[@jray5363]

You should have put a warning at the beginning:”Kids, don’t try this at home”! You passed my patience level at about the 8 minute mark. I knew by then I never wanted to try it. Thanks for the video though.

[@mashedpotatoes5323]

Wym kids don't try this at home... As long as you have the tools this is easy

[@elsey1976]

@@mashedpotatoes5323 takes more than tools. Any idiot can go buy tools

[@blownn420]

Looks pretty straight forward. Not rocket science, just gotta have patience. I will report back after I start the job tomorrow. Lol

[@blownn420]

@Chase Jordan lol forgot to come back! It went well, hasn't been overheating so mission accomplished. Two things that were tough were: Crank Pullley bolt, needed to buy a 2 foot extension, and use a 4 foot breaker bar to get it loose. Then taking the intake mani off was a nightmare. Wish I would have just left it on, wasn't necessary. I got my head looked at, and it was warped, so I got it machined. I bagged and labelled every part to stay organized.

[@owa2533]

Sounded like Scotty Kimler with that UH! when you loosened the radiator drain.

[@Reid-yy5nw]

You're ON THE BALL dude! If the work is your livelihood, you gotta do it. Otherwise, no way I would put myself through that agony. Time to sell my 2003 Honda Civic EX with 150,000. Thought nothing ever went wrong with HONDAS?

[@onemilkyway]

You must be living in a different dimension where Hondas have poor quality.

[@joseeone77]

Awesome video. Very detailed. I've always been afraid of doing head gaskets but this will help tremendously. Thanks

[@Adam-bw4lw]

Nice step by step Instructions,Thanks !

[@stevenmahoney6429]

Incredible! Thank you so much! finally someone to take on maybe the single most common problem on these 7th generations. I have to change my head gasket on my 2003 soon. But before I change it, was wondering if you could check out the video I have on my page. I have this weird idle problem. You should probably just skip to 5:40 where all the sudden it makes this up and down quick idle while simultaneously overheating. Only happen 6 minutes. I cleaned the throttle body and IAVC. Wondering what you think could be causing this.

[@MattsMotorz]

This is what is known as "idle surging" and this can be common on Hondas. ScannerDanner did a video about this. What happens is that, on Hondas specifically, when the idle is too high, the computer attempts to control the idle by periodically turning off the injectors. This causes the idle to drop, and then the computer will turn them back on and it goes high again, and so on. Look up "Honda-Acura Surging Idle Speed (Case Study)" from scanner danner. Now you say that it is also overheating. Are the cooling fans kicking on? If you want to be damn sure it is, or isn't a head gasket problem, then you need a combustion gas detector kit. You put it where the radiator cap goes and if it detects combustion gasses in the coolant , it will change color.

[@stevenmahoney6429]

Thanks! I saw that but idk it didn't lead me anywhere specifically, a lot of fancy gizmos but I didn't get anything concrete. I've had this car tested multiple times, and those tests came up negative. I don't know why, but on many of the honda forums this car is notoriously difficult at tracking down head gaskets, even when that's the issue, it will still come up negative on those tests. I've had the gasket confirmed by two mechanics though, The radiator fans come on when I do the paperclip shorting trick. And I have seen them come on, on their own before here and there. So they work, I suppose.

[@MattsMotorz]

Steven Mahoney Hmm Interesting. This one sounds like a doozy in terms of diagnosing the issue. If two different mechanics say the head gasket is bad though, then that is a pretty good indicator that that is most likely the issue unfortunately. If you do end up swapping out the gasket, I am glad these videos would be helpful! One note though. How many miles are on the engine? As I said somewhere in this video, a very high mileage engine is worn everywhere, and even if you decide to get a valve job done at the machine shop, the pressure will escape through the piston rings as blow-by. If this were to happen to me again, I would probably opt for just getting a lower mileage engine from a salvage yard and swapping it out.

[@stevenmahoney6429]

MattsMotorz Wouldn't that be more expensive though? I guess in the long run though, yeah probably would be better. Less hassle in the future. I really want to do this gasket job. Thanks so much for posting these.

[@MattsMotorz]

Yeah that's true. You could get a good motor for about 600-700 bucks, where as the gasket kit, and new head bolts would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 200, plus 200 or so bucks for machine work (with no valve job). So yes, more expensive, but less hassle. I guess there is always a trade off. Although now that I think about it, what kept me going with this car is to have the original engine for as long as possible since it has 200,000 miles. So perhaps I would do the same thing again lol

[@shanehubbard3771]

Good video, I have to change mine as well. Could you provide me with a list of EVERYTHING I need to do this job? Purchases, and tools please?

[@TheSavageGarage]

Notorious Honda crank pulley bolt hey? Lol nice job on the strip down

[@MattsMotorz]

Yeah it was a pain. I take it off in part 2 with some heat. I knew it wouldn't be easy.

[@asianlovebug582]

Always make sure if it’s still overheating there’s a HUGE possibility that the heater core is clogged up and there’s ways to flush out the clog. I fixed everything and it was still over heating! Be sure to also check the heater core valve because sometimes it’s broken inside and blocking the hot coolant from circulation around the cabin area which causes it to over heat a lot of people would agree that the heater core barely ever cracks. I’m replacing the head gasket because I replaced everything previously and found out that it was overheating due to the heater core being clogged! Rebuilt heads are a no brainer!

[@derekhunt6262]

I sure hope I can do this

[@darktigre8214]

I was in a parking lot today with the AC on full blast. I looked at the temp gauge and it was hitting the red up all the way. I almost crapped my pants. Best case scenario it's a bubble in the coolant or a fan or something. I'm debating on doing the work myself if I did blow a head gasket. Looks tricky!

[@williamrudd2571]

Thank you so much for the videos. They were very helpful.

[@derekhunt6262]

My friend this is my first time and I’m going by your videos I’m at the bottom bolt on the power steering I can’t get a good grip and pull I have that same wrench What size socket?

[@Khroll0]

saved me $1000+

[@VIP854]

booms and then the lights flickered? I'd be looking outside to see what happened. Did you find out?

[@CarAudioInc]

I just envisioned you dropping the wrench, it landing on both the positive and negative terminal and exploding.. blood everywhere. Children screaming around town. But thank god it didn't.

[@christianvaldes3776]

wow.. that was visual.. i really wasnt expecting to scroll down and see Anything like that..

[@krunkingen]

Stfu this guy is saving our asses

[@BassAutomotive69420]

i lowkey envision this happening to me every time i work around a battery. it helps keep me cautious.

[@carljohnson4996]

Oh shit that happens I keep my wrenches on top of the battery when I do a job like this 🤣

[@luckygray9396]

Thank you for the video. I have a question.... I have a 2003 Honda Civic Ex that I broke a screw off while changing the VTech gaskets. I messed up trying to retap the hole and woddle the hole out and totally messed it up. What can I do? A friend of mine said that I could fill the hole with apoxy and then redrill the hole to retap it. Do you think this will work? Or will I have to remove the cylinder head and take it to the machine shop? I need a blessing. Thank you again in advance.

[@MattsMotorz]

That probably won't work, it might be worth trying if you have no choice but to bring to the machine shop. In that case you would have nothing to lose. It is hard to say what to do without seeing it, and I don't remember much about where those threaded holes are located.

[@MattsMotorz]

I would bring it into an auto shop first and have some other brains look at it and see if they have a solution before pulling the head off..

[@luckygray9396]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@kamesenLBC]

Great video dude.

[@TwoTall1988]

I need this type of video for a 2007 honda civic with vtec... valve stem seals are bad and with between 170,000 and 180,000 miles on the car I figure I might as well do the head gasket as well so I can make the intake valve seals easier.

[@Sib0317]

We got ANOTHER HOOOSSEE OVER HEREEE!!

[@ozboz6452]

@Ej Papers Mr meeseeks teach me how to fix a blown head gasket

[@stevenhutcherson6599]

Should I drain the oil before changing head gasket?

[@civicem1dude222]

Steven Hutcherson yes you must drain oil and coolant to avoid having a huge mess

[@1EVILZ06]

Gear wrenches are priceless....

[@chewbaccac-3po129]

Remove Honda civic head gasket huh Oh man that's too much work I was thinking to help my friend to I might just tell him take it to the shop I could take it off but I don't I can remember to put it back

[@wdbne00]

also anyone else using Haynes manuals be sure to double check torque specs. the ones in my book were wrong as few times and bolt were stripped. So just an fyi

[@nonokayakjack]

was considering taking this on, but by the 5 minute mark I started thinking.....maybe not!!

[@Gothm_Batman]

Lmao I swear I did not know u have to takenout so much wires

[@Dragoslav_MD]

Five minutes? He didn't even remove the air filter yet hahah

[@christianinjax1]

having trouble with the fuel pressure release.. any advice?

[@MattsMotorz]

There should be two tabs you can just push in on either side. While they are pushed in, you pull the line apart. Try wiggling and pulling. There is also the type of line that requires a special tool to be put into it and release two inner tabs. This tool is super cheap and can be found in any auto parts store.

[@miltonmartinez6811]

how much would be the cost for head gasket kit work only?

[@MikeKokoschka]

Great video.

[@tjetter]

How do I know it’s the head gasket. I don’t get any white smoke out of the exhaust. But it’s heating up and everything else is been replaced

[@hiramgarcia2107]

I jsut did my head gasket, but once I turned it on all the motor oil leaked out. I have no idea from where but i can see it come out of the driver side. I know its not from the valve cover and vtec solenoid. Any ideas from where else itbcan come out from?

[@tothepointvids5192]

Matt I got a question please I’m NOT planing to replace the timing belt as it was replaced 5 months before the head gasket failure Can I leave the power steering pump and the alternator in place, or do I need to still remove them ? I other words What parts don’t have to be removed since I’m not removing the timing belt from it’s place? Thanks

[@bereanmike]

I am in the same situation. You still have to remove all that stuff. I only removed the tensioner spring on the timing belt to slip it off after making sure the timing marks were located. See my comment above about leaving the intake manifold attached to the head.

[@tothepointvids5192]

bereanmike Thanks sir I couldn’t see your comment about the intake manifold Can it stay in place ?

[@kaptainkendrick4052]

Did you put the engine on a jack before you started?

[@MattsMotorz]

Yup

[@1EVILZ06]

To be honest at 200k on the clock. I personally would just swap the entire engine out with a lower mile one. Easier to pull the entire engine than pull the head off.

[@DaPeAceMaKerX]

Thanks for the video, man! I'll be replacing mine pretty soon. By the way, what's the song title at the end?

[@MattsMotorz]

It's called "Hot Heat" I believe. It is one of KZbin's licence free songs.

[@DaPeAceMaKerX]

Thank you, sir. Found it

[@tothepointvids5192]

Does Anybody know how to drain the coolant in the engine block? I removed lots of hoses and removed the cylinder head and found green water /coolant still around the engine block. Is there a hose to the water pump or a bolt in the block body to completely drain the coolant jacketed the engine block ?

[@jiusunkgong]

After the job remember to enter the radio code buddy

[@user-ut1wl4gc2l]

Raymond Jiu RADIO CODE 32232

[@ackroh]

would've liked to see the single head gasket video

[@MattsMotorz]

I have found that most people wouldn't. They would see the 2 + hour video time and decide not to watch it as it is too long. Breaking it into chunks provides manageable pieces to watch over time. The average youtuber attention span is about 3.5 minutes according to the data in my analytics.

[@purestress2]

MattsMotorz is agree as well. Thanks for the video too. Helped a lot.

[@kaistockman6443]

Would everything in this video be the same for a 2004 Civic EX?

[@MattsMotorz]

I am not sure to be honest. It may be close enough in year to be the same. At the very least it will be very similar.

[@supersabrosinho]

Kaidrea Stockman yes

[@Yellybizzle]

I believe my head gasket i blown too. What noise did the car make before breaking down? Would like to know if it sounded like how mine did. Clack clack clack clack clack engine didn't seized it happened due to low oil

[@MattsMotorz]

There was no distinct noise. The issue was a rapid overheating during idle.

[@connerbutler1077]

MattsMotorz my 2004 civic will over heat sometimes on a cold start while the heat blows cold air. Most of the time it starts up fine and heat works good but Every once in a while the temp goes up fast while blowing ice cold heat. Could this be head gasket failure?

[@MattsMotorz]

I don't think so. It sounds to me like you have air in the system. Bleed it out and see if it gets better.

[@PresidentGuevara]

MattsMotorz Hey mine overheats when Im in idle and the ac is blowing on a hot day, I haven't had it overheat on a cold day. I've replaced the thermostat, and the problem was solved, I had hot air coming out the vents again, before I replaced the thermostat no hot air was coming out the vents. So now Im dealing with the same issue, could it be a faulty thermostat? It was a cheap 17 dollar thermostat from Oreilys.

[@Blazer02LS]

Time for a better impact... FYI the Earthquakes at HF are very good for the money. Got that 3.5 broke up yet?

[@MattsMotorz]

Yes, I definitely need a better impact lol. I will look into those, thanks. I tore apart the engine compartment and got a lot of parts and then I sold the rest to a junkyard for scrap. It was way more work than I wanted to put into it. Boxing up the parts was the WORST. Definitely learned a lot from that experience.

[@friendlyotakool9530]

Is 04 honda civic same as 03? Liie the setup and where all the stuffs are

[@brycehemrich5224]

Yup

[@mechanicandskills7215]

timing belt was over due but when ? at what milage is it supposed to be changed ? thanks

[@MattsMotorz]

Timing belt is usually every 100,000 miles.

[@mechanicandskills7215]

thank you

[@jameswhyte1340]

Let me ask you. do you think it's better to take the crank-bolt off before or after you remove the engine mount?

[@MattsMotorz]

Probably before. That way the engine doesn't rotate as much when you are laying into it with a wrench.

[@jameswhyte1340]

Thanks! Also, why does the crank bolt have to come off?

[@MattsMotorz]

So you can remove the timing belt. Can't do that with it on, and if you can't remove the timing belt, then you cant remove the head.

[@jameswhyte1340]

MattsMotorz thanks so much! those bolts on the intake manifold ar rusty and rounding. I think I'll take the engine cylinder head with the intake manifold attached.

[@MattsMotorz]

If your plan is to just take off the intake, then I wouldn't recommend taking the head off. That is a LOT of work for no good reason. And I mean a lot. And then what do you do once the head is off? The intake will still be on? If it was me and nothing was working to get the intake bolts off, I would just drill the heads off and then pull the intake off. That way you will just have to deal with the shanks of the bolts sticking out of the head. Which should be easier to deal with.

[@thecapsule5439]

Great

[@Jq__smoov]

You might as well remove the whole engine

[@chevyman4159]

What civic was it dx ex

[@MattsMotorz]

EX

[@Brownie1898]

Anyone know if this a D16V1 engine ?

[@SpicyDoriftos]

Unfortunately, this is a D17A2 engine.

[@rf-qp4yi]

Ghosts!!!!

[@jonarbuckle1560]

Great video but my goodness what a mess.

[@vintran2106]

I have 2005 Honda Civic ex' now I have oil leak from head gasket, any one know, what products to stop the leak? My is leak alot. Thanks

[@mashedpotatoes5323]

It's most likely your valve cover gasket, you don't need to take the head off to replace that just the valve cover

[@gilbertrudy626]

You removing way more than you have to. Making this job harder than what it really is. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@elsey1976]

You got a better video??

[@ritchiecassidy9151]

DONT get a Honda Civic get a wheel Barrow less wrk hahaha

[@michaelhevezi7273]

Barrow huh

[@adrianreyes7464]

Bro he doing too much just to replace the head gaskets and then not showing us not how to replace the head gasket is a waste of my time

[@wdbne00]

Hey I just recently replaced my head gasket and used your vids. They were a huge help. I have a Haynes book but it's better to see the actual work. So thanks for putting it online and keep up the good work. My civic came out great when I was done and runs good. I have an idle air valve that's sticking open but that's no big deal. it was a huge help and I sub to your channel. thanks!!

[@Ybsjek]

How long did it take you?