Ok, let me start with this: I own a 97' EX 2dr, 1.6L SOCH VTEC. It is supercharged and has been bored/balanced/ported/polished, it has also been sleaved and has a block guard.

Recently, the engine overheated, at least I think it did, after blowing the OEM radiator (NO fluid in radiator, small amount of steam). I replaced it with a Fluidyne oversized radiator/flushed system + refilled/checked for bubbles/leaks. Everything worked fine- temp was steady (slight bit lower). All was good for a day or two then the plug wires started to POP out of the head. NO-BIG-DEAL I just changed the valve cover gasket- problem sloved.

Now I notice the temp is rising slightly- not overheating- just running hot. I noticed collection of oil gathering on transmittion housing, under/to the side of the head . The leak is not coming from the valve cover. I checked the oil, it was very low . Checked the radiator, resivore empty . Filled up the resivour, topped off radiator ----OIL flotting on top, not just a film, but actualy brown.

I belive its a blown head gasket- right? Tell me thats all it is. If it is a blown head gasket I'm sure I will have to level the head- due to warping.

My question is can my head be shaved any more for the leveling? What kind of head gasket should I get to replace it. I was using a MR GASKET copper head gasket.

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

 

yeah, if you overheated you likely warped the head. if having an increase in compression concerns you, you could always level the head and get a thicker head gasket to offset the increase in compression.

 

Sounds like it's prolly the HG. Use an OEM HG when you replace it.

You MUST be burning something off if you have no fluid in your radiator or you have an oilpan full of radiator fluid. I wouldn't drive it until you replace the HG and change the oil for sure.