new here!

[Jasonator604]

I have a 81 civic 1300 hatchback Canadian built engine and I think I need a lot of advice.
first of all where to get a gasket set can anyone help me?

[87accordlxi]

Welcome!

Rockauto should have the 1300 gasket set. Try this: 1981 HONDA CIVIC 1300 DX Engine : Engine Kit Gasket Set Auto Parts

[Dr_Snooz]

Welcome! Those were cool cars. What are your plans for it?

[Jasonator604]

Tnx for the welcome and info!

This is my daily driver so just keepin it going is my main goal! lol

[running strong]

I just looked up that civic. It is cool looking. Interested to see some pics.

[Jasonator604]

Minus 5 Celcius in Abbotsford BC last Christmas.... Goes great in the snow... almost too much fun

Plus 35 Celcius at work north of Hope, BC = Boston Bar, BC ... Didn't like the heat as much as the cold!

[Jasonator604]

Me and my boy Niko blowing money on a weekend


blowing steam out the back side! yikes... need gasket... but where??

[Jasonator604]

Welcome!

Rockauto should have the 1300 gasket set. Try this: 1981 HONDA CIVIC 1300 DX Engine : Engine Kit Gasket Set Auto Parts

That is awesome!! Thanks so much! I just ordered it... $108 Canadian... Worth it to keep going!

[running strong]

Me and my boy Niko blowing money on a weekend


blowing steam out the back side! yikes... need gasket... but where??

Don't quote me on this but I am going to guess that it is a head gasket. It could be something else though. What does that smoke smell like, burning oil/coolant?

[Jasonator604]

Head gasket checked and done. Smells of coolant. definitely steam.

[running strong]

I'm not sure then. Last time i saw that from my car it was black smoke from oil leaking from the head gasket and burning. Although exhaust runs hot, if coolant gets in there it can do that

[Dr_Snooz]

It could be a water jacket failure. I'd imagine a decent machine shop can fix that. Not sure how much it costs though. Obviously, you'd have to remove the engine and strip the block first, so it isn't going to be cheap.

[Jasonator604]

Welcome!

Rockauto should have the 1300 gasket set. Try this: 1981 HONDA CIVIC 1300 DX Engine : Engine Kit Gasket Set Auto Parts

Sooo.... wrong parts.
I need UK parts. And I like how the only way to find this out is to spend an afternoon removing the top of your engine to find out the hard way!

So I am waiting for the proper gasket from back east. London... I do love doing this stuff!!

But you did encourage me, 87accordlxi. How were we to know??

I do have a problem with engine ID. Its a different number on the engine block than the engine compartment. Engine swap for sure. BUT..... how do I find the actual engine specs? year, and built where??

Any ideas?

[Jasonator604]

So.... Did the valve cover gasket finally. success. no leakage. all good.

Well... Good thing is - it runs.

ok... NOT all good. after repeated checks that all hoses, wires, etc. are back where they belong, this engine runs like SH*T!!! clunky, won't stay going without the choke on a bit. It does drive ok once things get going.

I'm not a mechanic, so this is kind of hard to figure.

Any quick ideas?

[JSmythe]

So.... Did the valve cover gasket finally. success. no leakage. all good.

Well... Good thing is - it runs.

ok... NOT all good. after repeated checks that all hoses, wires, etc. are back where they belong, this engine runs like SH*T!!! clunky, won't stay going without the choke on a bit. It does drive ok once things get going.

I'm not a mechanic, so this is kind of hard to figure.

Any quick ideas?

From what i have read, if it runs good when it's warmed up, then it's the vacuum thats tied to the choke. Adjust the choke or the fast idle. it's a minor thing, from what i've read.