Gap betwen cylinder and block?

[spetz]

Hi guys,

I see in a lot of photos of the B engine that there is a gap between the cylinder and the block.
What is it for?
And is this normal for all engines or just Honda?

[mocchi]

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTm5M6Wpk4sykZcS7BHS6UT87IfDMZv Mq7Wg9nTaUXNNg00oe8Gi-_dRcRMw

talking about empty area that circles combustion cylinders?
that gap is where your coolant goes to cool combustion cylinders.
im pretty sure its for coolant not oil.

[VTI-RRR]

the gap between the block and cylinders is definitely for coolant
and also a tip if draining the coolant, the coolant in between will not drain unless u unbolt the (17 or 18mm?) bolt
on the front of the block looks like it has a big washer behind it.. ;)

[mocchi]

dont think anyone ever drain coolant from that bolt haha

[markismaximus]

I have once. worst day of my life....... had to take half the engine apart to get enough leverage on the breaker bar to loosen it

[dougie_504]

I have once. worst day of my life....... had to take half the engine apart to get enough leverage on the breaker bar to loosen it


Was it worth it?

[Bludger]

Was it worth it?
Mine wasn't that tough....

I think it is worth it if you're changing coolant types....

100% drain....

[VTI-RRR]

def worth it even when changing head gasket and oil can and does get in there drain it refill with hot water and repeat until clean (use a small/thin cleaning device to get in between)
worked well for me...

[spetz]

Do all engines have this? I never noticed on anything other than Honda, particularly B series.
Also wouldn't this make the cylinders weak?

[Riceboy]

The water jackets are fine for NA but for turbo its best to sleeve them. Some manufaturers also make cylinder block braces which are similar to sleeving to fit in the upper most portion with thickness only around 10mm

[Riceboy]

The purpose of the gap is to keep the cylinders cool done by pumping coolant around them. <--This is where your cabin heat comes from the circulating coolant.
If the cylinders are too hot leads to predetonation.