I have a 1996 Honda Civic LX A/T 1.5L Honda Vtec engine (it had a grey valve cover but I sprayed it black if the helps). The car originally had a 1.6L engine but had to be changed about 2 yrs back. I got the water pump changed last yr, though it worked, the cover couldn't actually close the way it should because the mechanic said it (the water pump) was too big, however like I said it worked nicely. Now I have to change the water pump again and I would prefer to have the the right size put in this time. I am assuming based on research that I've done that my current engine is for somewhere between 94-95 probably hx but I haven't a clue just an assumption since 95 water pumps are somewhat smaller. Could someone tell me whether or not I should buy a 92-95 water pump instead of standard 96-01 so that the cover closes properly this time around? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Definitely match the water pump to the engine. The type of engine that you have should be stamped on the block.

 

After finding the engine number on your block, look in the Honda engine list (general civic talk forum here) to see what model car that engine was originally stock in.

 

Don't see any engine number anywhere on there nor anything that actually matches in the list. I drove down to the place where my dad bought the engine and they said it most likely is a 95 water pump that I need. I looked on google images and found this: jdmenginesinc.com/shop/shopimages/products/thumbnails/E-ZC-VTEC-$650.jpg which is the same engine that is in my car (the pic says 95-95 vtec). So I drove down to the place I bought the water pump just now and got it exchanged to a 95-95 vtec water pump. But since every experience is a learning one, why exactly should the water pump definitely be matched to the engine?

 

post the code that is on your block. D15xx?

 

Look on the front of the engine block, about mid-height. Next to the exhaust manifold & right alongside the split-line between engine & transmission. Theres a small flat surface with serial numbers stamped in it.

D15A4 or something like that.

Tell us also the first digit of the serial # right there below the engine type.

 

I can't find the engine number anywhere, though not to say it isn't there, just my eyes I would say aren't all that great plus the fact that engine cleaning is overdue. I do however recall a few months ago finding the number when I took off the valve cover to sand, prime, & spray it though I don't recall exactly where. But like I said, I went to the place where my dad bought the engine and asked them about the water pump for a 1.5L Vtec that was bought from them and they said it was a 95 that it came from. They only sell japanese parts by the way so I know that it's a Japanese engine for sure. The only visibility I have as of right now are the letters HM on the front of the block and the letter L on the side but I doubt that has anything to do with it. I will get some carb / brake cleaner & engine degreaser over the weekend and clean it to see if I can find the exact numbers.

 

Found a number after alot of cleaning but I think I have to do just a little more to see it.....I made out HM like I said earlier. and I made out 1y5 this time.......but that's all I could see. Found the correct water pump by the way....takes 1.6L. very strange setup i have if u ask me.

 

You may have a Civic HX, which has the D16Y5 engine. What's the VIN?