jgh (06/29/82)
We are having (major) engine problems with a 1978 Honda Accord with low (32K) mileage. About two months ago it began to burn oil when it was started after sitting for a few hours. It did not appear to burn oil when operating and oil consumption was not significantly above normal. It has always consumed oil at about 1 qt/1000+ miles, but never been operated below the add line. We took it to a (trusted) mechanic, and asked him to look it over. (The mechanic fixes my FIAT, I don't know about his experience with Hondas.) He performed a compression check, and set and inspected the valves. (Of course I mean what you can see of the valves from the valve cover...) He did not find anything wrong with the car. Last Friday, the spark plug in the #4 cyl fouled with oil. I inspected the other plugs and repeated the compression check -- everything was fine (168,170,170,170 psi, the book says 170 +- 28). With the fouled plug replaced we drove to another (unknown) mechanic. The engine ran beautifully, we did not notice any new noises, and (we think) we listen very closely. He and I and my trusted friends all agreed the symptoms indicated valve guides. This morning after removing the valve cover, he called to say that there was no play in the valves and he suspected that the valve guides were probably fine, and advised that if they were not the problem we were into a lot of money. Possible problems include busted oil ring, bad piston, scared cyl. All of which are big bucks and a big hassle. We told him to button it up, and plan on screaming at Honda, hopefully discussing the problem with a Honda area rep. Before we talk to him we would like to know if anyone else has had similar problems with a low mileage Honda. If you or your friends have heard of a car with a similar plight, or if you know of a good local Honda mechanic, please send mail ASAP or call: Jim Hook (201)-582-4956 (mh) rabbit!jgh alice!jgh cornell!jgh Hilary Wilder (201)-582-5572