How do you change a head gasket in an 89 Honda Accord LXi? Also how do you change the thermostat on this car?

Question

Can you change the Head Gasket by yourself or is it a complicated job for the mechanic only? Where is it located on a 89 Accord engine, and what tools would i need if i am doing it by myself?

Also, is the thermostat easy to replace on this car? If so, is it easily accessible within the engine? Where is it located, and what tools do i need for the job?

Answer 1

Well I will try to answer the thermostat part. Simply follow the large hose out of the top of the radiator until you get to the engine. There will be a clamp holding the hose onto a metal piece that has two bolts. Remove the clamp and the bolts. The thermostat is underneath and should be easily removed and replaced. Some vehicles have a gasket that is replaced at same time, and should come with the replacement thermostat. Simply reverse the process to install and refill any lost anti-freeze with standard 50/50 mix of antifreeze/water. IF you don't know where the radiator is, this repair is best left to a mechanic.
Unless you have a torque wrench, I would leave the head gasket to a mechanic.

Edit- This is far from a fatal flaw in the car as stated above, have it fixed instead of going into debt

Answer 2

My first car was a white 89 Honda Accord LXi!! I absolutely loved that girl. My head gaskets blew, and I wound up having to get a whole new engine. I got a used one with low milage, and never had another problem with the engine again. Thats all I know though - I left it for the mechanic to handle. And it wasnt too pricey if I remember correctly. I was only 17 and paid cash to fix it.

I never had problems with my thermostat tho, so I can't help ya there.

Answer 3

IF your vehicle is blowing blue, or white smoke and gets sluguis when you bottom out the gas peddal is your head gasket. To do this you need torque Wrench, the engine manual, and about 2 days(since you are a rookie). Ok your head gasket is located between the engine Header and engine you take both of them a part the gasket is between them. The thermostat is located sowhere between your water pump and the cooling hose line should only take you about 1/2 hour to change.

Answer 4

Although a used honda is still a reliable car, its a waste of time to fix this one. You'll be constantly making small adjustments. Get a new used car something from this decade. Go to drivetime if you cant afford financing

Answer 5

Chiltons.com or autoplus (maybe autopluszone.com) has detailed instructions with photos on how to do many repairs/replacements.