b18b1 help! valve job? or swap?

[Quentin Hewitt]

Hey CI I was wondering if you guys could give me some suggestions as to what should i do with my 95 LS.

The engine only has 69k miles and for the year is very low amount of miles but the car sat for year, I bought the LS from an auction. So what exactly should I do to make sure she runs properly because the mechanic i took the LS to said she needed a VALVE JOB which is very expensive. I was quoted 1,200 to 1,500 alone just for the valve job. Should i get the valve job and build the b18b1 up, or do a swap which I have no experience with.

I have searched the forum and haven't found any valve job, or something similar just adjustments which im not very familiar with. I plan to check the forum frequently so you guys will hear from me quite alot!

Please help the 1,200 to 1,500 valve job? Or swap?
I have already google'd it so please don't put this response. I plan on building this Integra up for reliability first, before I add MOREEE POWERR. So just please just give me some insight on this VALVE JOB OR SWAP, and reliability.

 

[Muckman]

1.) Im suspicious that is not the true mileage from an auction vehicle. Gauge cluster swaps are very cheap and easy on Hondas.

2.) I digress, WHY exactly did your mechanic say it needs a valve job? Was there a mechanical fault found? If so, what?

3.) "Valve job" can be a confusing term as it can be interpreted two ways. A true valve job is where the valve and valve seats are cut, ie 3 or 5 angle valve job to ensure a perfect valve seal. This requires the head to be removed and sent to a machine shop where the valve job can cost anywhere between $300-500 on top of the labor to replace the head and head gasket. However what most people mean by "valve job" is adjust valve lash which on a Honda can take a good tech 30-60 minutes after the engine has cooled and is labor only, no parts.

So find out some specifics.

 

[here&there]

Why did you take it to a mechanic?
What was the car doing that needed looked at?

 

[Quentin Hewitt]

1.) Im suspicious that is not the true mileage from an auction vehicle. Gauge cluster swaps are very cheap and easy on Hondas.

2.) I digress, WHY exactly did your mechanic say it needs a valve job? Was there a mechanical fault found? If so, what?

3.) "Valve job" can be a confusing term as it can be interpreted two ways. A true valve job is where the valve and valve seats are cut, ie 3 or 5 angle valve job to ensure a perfect valve seal. This requires the head to be removed and sent to a machine shop where the valve job can cost anywhere between $300-500 on top of the labor to replace the head and head gasket. However what most people mean by "valve job" is adjust valve lash which on a Honda can take a good tech 30-60 minutes after the engine has cooled and is labor only, no parts.

So find out some specifics.

The mechanic said that the head had to be removed and then the integra would be transported to a machine shop where they would work on it.

Also my experience when i drove the car was very slow acceleration when I stepped on the gas it was very boggy and I put gas and fuel treatment into the car to help with the bogginess. Also what exactly are the consequences or signs of that a valve job is needed. Also the car can only start when the gas is pressed in %100 and even when the car is actually running the car can still die if you keep tapping the gas pedal. I have been researching but I'm not finding answers that match my problem, I will call tommorow and see exactly what is the problem. So i know for sure what to do and how to address it.

Thank you everyone for your comments and advice!

 

[tamboo]

learn to troubleshoot the ignition stuff as it's all 100% guaranteed to bite the big one eventually.

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/startproblems.html

 

[Muckman]

Just buy a used head or complete long block. It would be cheaper than rebuilding a worthless LS head.

 

[Silver2]

Do a compression test to see if the valves are not seating or are burned.
Get a second opinion from a different mechanic.
Does it smoke or use a lot of oil?
Check the timing.
Examine the spark plugs.
Do the easy/cheap stuff first, like tune up & fuel/air filters.

Sorry, that's all I can offer.

 

[Quentin Hewitt]

Do a compression test to see if the valves are not seating or are burned.
Get a second opinion from a different mechanic.
Does it smoke or use a lot of oil?
Check the timing.
Examine the spark plugs.
Do the easy/cheap stuff first, like tune up & fuel/air filters.

Sorry, that's all I can offer.

When I first got the car it was raining outside and trying to get it on the trailer was a problem. It was smoking quite a bit so, yes it was smoking. What should i look for in the spark plugs? wear and tear?

The timing belt is there but when i was trying to get the car on the trailer there was alot of reving and spinning and smoke there was tons of smoke coming from under neath the hood I couldnt see where as i was driving and trying to car on trailer.

What tool can i use to do a compression test? I know that sounds like basic question that I should know but my head is everywhere and this car is giving me a headache but I must get to the bottom of it!!

Come on CI I know there are more users online lol I must go through trail and error and try the cheap stuff but I need this car fixed asap because my daily is going to be sold so this Integra will be all I will have!

Also last question!! Hood wont stay shut the latch part at the front is very loose and wobbles everywhere should i just tighten it? I dont have the car with me it is still at the shop and if all else fails I will just pay this large amount of money.. As I need a daily pronto but I will try these ideas thanks everybody!!