UPDATE: Got my Leak Down and Compression test results. - Honda Prelude Forum

OUCH · 07-31-2003, 12:51 AM

My previous thread about my Oil Burning Issues and Honda's "willingness" to fix it

Here's the result of my tests which I paid $70 for. And according to the Tech Advisor I spoke to in Honda of Pasadena, the result shows that my engine is fine.

I *think* my compression numbers are too low... Especially Cylinders 2 and 4. The tech who did the compression test only cranked the engine 3-4 times, I think and he removed all spark plugs without removing the fuel injector fuse. And he only ran the test once.

About the leakdown test. I watched him do the whole thing, he had these gauges, one is connected to the air compressor and the other one is connected to the cylinder, he first made sure that the pistons are on TDC then he ran the tests...

Cylinder 1, first time he tried it that thing just went over to the Maximum. Cylinder 3 did fine, same with 2 and 4. He then ran Cylinder 1 again and this time it was much better. But what bothers me is I think he just plugged in the air compressor without adjusting the dials for it, also he didn't listen for any leaks..

Tech Advisor said the only way to find out what exactly is causing all these oil burning is to tear down the engine. But I'm afraid that they won't find anything wrong and if this happens I'm screwed, cause I'll end up paying them..

So what do you guys think?

Fast&furiuslude · 07-31-2003, 12:55 AM

if it burns oil that bad they will find something. scary decision

pinkdotts · 07-31-2003, 12:58 AM

175/178..hummm..

XLEntropy · 07-31-2003, 01:03 AM

go2 hollywood honda!

marcucci · 07-31-2003, 05:30 AM

If they tear it down they WILL find something. Likely scored pistons and walls. But if they don't think 175 psi is bad, they may not think the scoring is bad.

I hate to say it, but I would find another dealer.

71dsp · 07-31-2003, 06:54 AM

Your leak down looks fine. If you have a two gauge leak down tester, you don't necessarily have to adjust the air pressure each time, as the leak is just the ratio of the air pressure that the cylinder will hold and the air pressure from the compressor. i.e. if you have a 100 PSI source, and the cylinder will hold 99 PSI, the you have 1% of leakage. Some production engines run as high as 5 % leakage, so I think your leak down numbers look good.

It would have been good to know where the leak is coming from, but I'd suspect almost all of it is coming from the rings, if your valves are in good shape. Did he remove the oil filler cap when he did the test? It's not 100% necessary, but if you hear air coming out of the oil filler cap hole, then you know that the leak is coming from the rings. That doesn't necessarily mean that your rings are bad, as all rings have some sort of leak. The best I have seen yet is a Miata race engine that measured around 2% leak on each cylinder. Again, keep in mind that most production engines can have up to 5% leak.

One other thing that comes to mind is that the higher the pressure you use for the leak down test, the more accurate the test will be (to a point). One thing to think about is that maybe they ran the test at such low of a pressure that the rings were able to make a good seal. Perhaps at higher pressures (i.e. combustion pressures) the rings aren't sealing as well.

You do not need to tear down the engine to see if there is any scoring on the cylinder walls. Go to a shop that has a bore scope. Have them take a look at the cylinder walls for you. Maybe they'll even let you take a look for yourself. All you have to do is run the piston to BDC. Remove the spark plug and insert the bore scope. The scope will allow you to look at the cylinder walls.

Have you inspected your spark plugs?

OUCH · 07-31-2003, 08:30 AM

Yes I've inspected my spark plugs and it doesnt have any oil on it, just gray/white stuff.

Is it hard to find a shop with that bore scope, will my dealer have this.

OUCH · 07-31-2003, 09:31 AM

Is it true that if my problems are the valve seals I will see oil on my spark plugs?

OUCH · 07-31-2003, 02:37 PM

Oh and according to Jon (Ludatic) there's a Light gray smoke coming out of my tail pipe the whole time I'm on VTEC..

axion68 · 07-31-2003, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OUCH
Oh and according to Jon (Ludatic) there's smoking a Light gray smoke coming out of my tail pipe the whole time I'm on VTEC..

that isn't that uncommon, unless it is pretty thick.

lclude · 07-31-2003, 08:16 PM

dO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT GOTO HONDA OF PASADENA

THEY ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST F'ING DEALER EVER!!!!

They have messed my car up in so many ways it's sad.

they have no customer service.

and they are idiots.

if u really want me to go into it, let me know, but dont go there. l

tell them to @%#@ off and go somewhere far away. they are bastard idiots. Worst Dealer ever.

especially the head service manager warren berman. Complete idiot,

was arguing with me when i told their customer service sucked @%@ and he started quoting jd power saing 99% of his customers are satistfied when obviously there was one standing in front of him that wasn't.

I had to threaten to sue them to get them to fix my car.

alphajesse · 07-31-2003, 11:07 PM

You have a honda care warranty? And you burn oil super bad if you run even dino 5-30 or 10-30? Did the dealer suggest 10-40?

If you're burning 1qt/500 miles of 5-30 (non-synthetic) and are under warranty, you should really call corporate honda. They shouldn't be charging you for that compression/leakdown test.
I am seriously never buying another honda/acura based solely upon my experiences with their dealer network.