Here's the story. My buddy owns an 00 civic with roughly 150k on the clock. He does run it pretty hard every now and again. I'd say it see's 5500-6500 once or twice a day, but he also drives 500 miles a week. The other day he was waiting on a train, went to take off, and the car started bucking, and eventually dying. (This is going by what he told me.) He said he got through 1st at about 15 MPH, went into 2nd, and that's all it had.

I get there, and check the oil and it's full, just recently changed. Hit the key, and it clicks, but won't turn it over. I hook the jumpers up to the battery on my 95 F-150, which gave it just enough juice to crank it over. It started, and then stopped itself (like something was binding it up.) I pulled it home for him, and we started checking stuff out. I was initially thinking one of the engine accessories were binding it up (alternator... etc.) but I pulled all the belts off and it would still start, make a God awful screeching/tapping/knocking noise, and then stop. We eventually got it to run without anything trying to stop it or bind it up.

So I took the valve cover off and got assistance from another one of my friends who works for Honda TRC in Marysville, and we took apart and inspected the upper valvetrain componets (rockers and V tech componets) and everything seemed ok. We put it all together and started it, let it idle until it warmed up, and it progressively got better as it idled, to where the only noise was a knock/tap. It's consistant at certain RPM's like at 1000-2500. Around 3 grand it goes away. At idle-900 RPM it taps/knocks randomly. We went back through and adjusted the valves by the way, just to make sure that wasn't the problem.

Now I've got it narrowed down to two problems as we speak. Either the pins in the V tech actuator have dirt behind them and are trying to engage the V tech at low RPM's (this coming from my friend who works at Honda,) or we're looking at a bottom end componet (most notebly a rod bearing.) One more bit of information that might be helpful, it does sound like the noise is coming from cylinders 3&4 (assuming those are the ones closest to the distributor...)

I am a gearhead and have worked with many many engines, but all have been V8's. I have worked on 4 bangers before, but am not familiar with this V tech technology. So if anybody suspects a problem with a V tech componet per my explination of the problem, please let me know. If not, then this week the oil pan is coming off.

 

Well, first off, its VTEC


Sounds to me like a bottom end issue for sure. Did he happen to take any sharp/hard/fast left hand turns before this happened? The y8 motors have a bottom end oiling issues, are are prone to spun bearings (amongst other things).

Is it smoking at all?

Maybe try running a compression test to see if all the cylinders are still good.

Aside from that, I'd say pull that oil pan off and see whats goin on in the bottom end.

 

Alrighty, thank you Forty04 for the help. I pulled the oil pan off and as expected, saw shavings from the rod bearing (number 4... that is the one closest to the distributor correct?) The rod is pretty ate up, and crank willneed to be pulled and turned. Thanks again for your time!

 

No problem man, glad you found the issue before your buddy's motor turned to swiss cheese

And yes, number 4 is nearest the Dizzy

If need be I have spare y8 (p2p) pistons, rods, bearings and a crank I wouldnt mind selling for cheap

 

You have my full attention Forty04. We were talking last night about where to send the crank to have it turned and what not.

Just a couple of questions first. I'm assuming everything here is used? That being said, I'm assuming that the rods match the crank and what not?

Another thing, he doesn't necessarily need pistons, but he needs a new rod. Seeing how he will have to replace one rod, I convinced him to replace them all. If the pistons are already connected to these rods you have, it would be easier and much quicker just to buy those and drop them in also.

I guess the main point here is simplicity and time. How much would you be willing to let the whole set go? Also, if the pistons are not connected to the rods, how much would you be willing to let the crank, rods, and bearings go for? Give me some prices for the whole shooting match, and then maybe a break down if we bought parts seperately. I really appreciate this! Feel free to call me at 937-243-8475 anytime today if you'd rather talk there. My name is Chad.

 

Unfortunately, I only have three pitsons/rods/good bearings. Trust me, you don't want the fourth (See my "Game Over" thread). Yes, they are used, and have about 72,000 miles on themand they are the p2p ones for the y8, so they will match your others perfectly.

I'd be more than wiling to pull the one apart and sell him just the rod if need be, not a big deal at all.

Otherwise, give me some time to put together some pricing. Like I said, they're just sitting here so I won't charge much.

 

Well write me back with some pricing. If possible, I'd like to maybe come up this weekend or next weekend sometime. Memorial day would be kosher, but I'm not sure of your plans.

I talked to Zeke (my friend) and he said he may be interested in buying everything, depending on the price. All he needs is a crank, and a rod. If he bought the rod with the piston, that'd be easier on the mechanic (me.)

The crank you have is good right? If it's still within spec, we could get a stock set of bearings and call it a day. If you have already had the crank turned, then we'll get oversized bearings, and then call it a day. Just let me know! Feel free to call me anytime!

 

Well, visibily, the crank looks great, but that isn't really saying much. Its from a motor that threw a rod so its really hard to say.

You said you'd like to "come up" this weekend, where are you from? If you're in the Michigan area you're more than welcome to swing by. I will be around all day/night Friday, and most of the day Sunday, but heading to the Hellyeah concert around 5:30ish Saturday night, then pub crawlin all day sunday.

I'll get prices to you as soon as I can

 

I understand. Do you have any way to mic it just to be sure? I'd hate to drive from West-Central Ohio to get a crank that may be bad. If it's ok visibly, then it's probably ok physically. As long as there are no scratches and what not, and as long as the engine was shut off right after the rod went. Did the rod bearings blow out or did the rod itself break? If the rod bearing was ok, then I'm sure the crank is fine.

I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it up this weekend anyways. My buddy has to work all weekend. I will get back with you on a date, as long as you get back with me with a price.

 

hey handyman.. i have the exact problem with my y8. only in the range of 1500-2000 it makes that knocking noise when im trying to punch it to get it to go. but when i hit 3 grand it stops.. i thought it would have been my vavles but i got those adjusted and its still makin that noise. so would it be a rod and how would i go about fixing this whole entire problem??