Professional Check-Up

Eric came by today and did a thorough look through of the engine and necessary steps to get the Hondamatic back on the road.

First he poured a little gas into each cylinder to check the piston seals.  Since gas is so thin, if there was any leak or gap in the seals the gas would just empty out through it.  There was no movement in the level of gas in any of the cylinders whatsoever.  This is GREAT news!!

Second we looked at the head and valves and gaskets and Eric walked me through the process of our next move.  Eric actually showed me where the head gasket blew - it was a charred spot next to the 3rd and 4th cylinder wall.  I guess he could tell by looking at the damage that I had not driven the car much after it blew.  He was correct.  Remember, I just drove it around the block and then parked it and only started it up again to move it into the driveway.

Third he complimented me and Collin on a job well done with the extraction of all the parts.  We only lost one piece the whole time and it was a spring that goes onto a knob type bolt.  Eric explained that this spring is actually used to keep the bolt tightened on so it doesn't rattle around.  Not too tragic that it's gone, but we should try to find a replacement nonetheless.

My to do list compiled by Eric looks like this:
1. Make sure auto parts store can locate gaskets and heat shields
2. Bring the head to the machine shop - maybe they can adjust the valves as well?
3. Bring the alternator too to have inspected
4. Bring the intake manifold to get cleaned
5. Bring the valve cover also to get cleaned
6. Ask auto parts store how much a new copper radiator costs - If it's too expensive then get the original one  inspected and cleaned
7. Take out radiator to clean or replace

After the head is inspected and IF it is still good:

8. Buy the following:
head bolt tap
timing belt
water pump
a new and good thermostat
fuel filter
spark plugs
oil
etc...
9. Sand down the block with a piece of 2x4 wrapped with 80grit sand paper until it's nice and smooth
10. Call Eric to get the Hondmatic put back together