I have a 98 civic ex (D16y8) w/180,000 miles and was replacing what I thought was simply a bad oil pan gasket when I discovered a huge crack in the back left corner of my block. I actually pulled slightly on it and took a chunk off of the block! Now I'm trying to consider my options regarding what to do from here.

The location of the crack/broken piece would be held in place by the oil pan and I am considering just rigging it up with some jb weld and keeping an eye on it and the oil level. The left axle needs to be replaced and I need to replace the clutch soon. With that in mind I considered a complete swap. I am in the Irvine / San Diego area and have found some options for motors but don't know about smogging a jdm import motor in CA. I found a long block out of a 98 civic with 96k miles on it but they want 700.00 with a one year warranty.

I was considering a b16 swap as well but again don't want to spend a ton of money as this is just my "beater". Anyone know any reputable shops in the LA/San Diego area that do good work? I have been out of the "tuner" scene for a LONG TIME! and don't have many contacts anymore.

Thanks!

 

I would think that $700 for a block is way overpriced. Have you searched online? I am sure our engine swap gurus will chime in.

Be sure to do your homework on engine swap laws in California. It's a very strict state in this regard.

 

got any pics of the area?

depending on the location if you can just rig it up and be fine with it or not. just be sure what ever you use to seal that piece back is a high temp to handle the heat. and give it THREE TIMES the recommended dry time to be positive it is fully dry before adding any oil to it! and before ever tightening the bolts that go into that busted area. also be sure the piece is in flat if the oil pan bolts up to it. otherwise it can be a problem area for leaks.

 

Seriously, this should be done only as a last resort where all other options have been exhausted. At best, this would be a temporary fix. At worst, the repair would fail while driving and the entire engine will be destroyed.

 

I agree with Ron. Last resort on fixing the block.

700 for a long block used motor? That's not too bad. I bought a $700 used JDM import from HMO Online. That only had 46K and looked like it.

If they are going to stand behind the motor for a year I'd say that's a pretty decent deal. HMO is only 30 day start-up warranty...

Time for a used engine?

 

i didnt mean a real fix just a temp fix where it will last for awhile....
the block will be trashed eventually but for now if you need it driving till you can afford a new block or complete motor.

the temp fix would just keep the oil in the block so it wont starve from oil. i did it on a small lawn mower motor before and worked fine until the carberator stoped working properly and i trashed the whole mower.

you can always post on craigslist a WANTED add for a simple replacement motor. thats how i got mine for my old 94 civic. only paid 300bucks for it complete. only thing missing was the tranny because i didnt want to give him a extra 100bucks for it.

 

I think that $700 is way too expensive. People are selling a complete d16y8 longblock and tranny (roughly 80,000 miles) for $550 on craigslist in my area.

 

You're lucky. When I needed a new engine craigslist had nothing but blown motors or parts for a d16y8. Had to go japan import...

 

I hate to say it, but I guess I am kinda lucky as I live 40 minutes from Philadelphia. I can use the keyword "civic" to search on Philly's CL and there are at least 5 new listings every 5 minutes.

However, it is a disadvantage when you try to sell something, and your posting is bumped to the 2nd or 3rd page within 24 hours due to the amount of listing generated! lol

 

LOL well for searching your areas craigslist... use this site. it helps alot when searching on craigs...
http://www.searchtempest.com/