It looks like it has happened to others, as well. Rather than tagging on to previous posts, I thought getting this front and center would be a good reminder for other owners to check the torque on your sparkplugs. I've had my car since December '99, and a trouble free 23,500. It's unnerving to have major surgery.

I happened to be about two blocks from a dealer when I first heard the noise: tapping, almost like a consistent engine knock. Initial diagnosis: spark plug loose on #2 cylinder and burned coil. The plug had moved around enough so as to strip the threads in the head, so the plan was that they would replace the head and coil under warranty. I asked about metal in the cylinder, but the response was that they couldn't tell until they got things apart. A received a call the next day saying that the cylinder was in fact scored. There are three vertical scores, covering pretty much the entire distance of the piston stroke.


Honda replaced the short block, head, coil, and a bunch of ancilliary "stuff". Valves, cam, etc. were all transferred over from the old engine.

The repair took 6 work days total considering time to get the parts, etc. I visited a couple times during the work to see what was being done and to meet the mechanic. It seems to run very smooth compared to before, but this is very subjective and it was likely running rough with the spark plug problem. Maybe just wishful thinking!

Finally, my kudos to Boyland Honda in Milwaukee. I didn't purchase the car there, but they were absolutely fantastic in working with me and interfacing with AHM. The service manager called me with regular updates...I didn't have to call him...and the mechanic took a personal interest in the job. I couldn't have been happier with the way it was all handled...but I have to admit to some uneasiness as my warranty is only good for another 6 months.

 

That's a major world of pain, gsquared.

OUCH!

Thanks for sharing the picture of the cylinder and I plan to make your torque warning #1 on my list of extra things *not* covered in the owner's manual.

I'm glad you had a sympathetic dealer and that Honda treated you so well.

By the way, for the record, did this have anything at all to do with oil levels in the engine, or was it strictly metal shavings from the damaged plug that caused the scoring?

Also, FYI, I've put a pointer from the "short block" thread to yours. And, for full reference purposes... Short Block Replacement

 

Not an oil problem...I'm religious about checking and changing it. It was full at the time this occurred.