So I was driving home from school when my engine started acting up. It was sort of sputtering, idling rough, and it sounded like it was knocking, making like a constant tapping sound, and the check engine light came on as well.

Anyways, I limp home because I'm only a few miles away, and I thought I could make it. So I make it home and pop the hood and smell this nasty burnt plastic or metal smell. It was horrible.

So after taking off the spark plug/coil pack cover, the valve cover and all that, and finding some interesting things, I started to do some research.
From what I can tell it appears that I have been a victim of the dreaded spark plug recall (which I did not know about until this happened).
If you're not aware of what I'm talking about, you can find more info here:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29418
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=43080
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76194
Or you can search for "spark plug recall" and find plenty more results, or look at the actual copy of the recall, here:
http://downloads.hondatech.info/Auto/Servi...000/A02-042.pdf

Anyways, it appears the spark plug backed itself COMPLETELY out and caused some major problems.

Here is what I found when I took my #2 coil pack and spark plug out...
("good" spark plugs/coil packs also shown, for comparison)



















Needless to say it was a nightmare. As you can see the #2 coil pack you see was melted almost beyond recognition, and the #2 spark plug was bent/melted up pretty badly as well.

I tested the compression and the #2 cylinder has about half as much as the others (others are normal). I am not sure whether the cylinder is scored, or if this somehow caused a valve to bend or something, but obviously something is wrong.

I'm going trailer the car in to Honda tomorrow to let them take a look and diagnose the problem. I have talked to American Honda and my local Honda dealership and they're both unsure of what is going to happen here. There is a possibility that Honda will take responsibility and fix whatever went wrong, because of the recall (even though its 7 years old, there is no expiration, time limit etc.). I'm not getting my hopes up though.

Anyways, until they figure out what all is wrong, all I can do is hope for the best.

Cross your fingers for me.

Thanks,
-Will

 

well not to be Mr. Negative but this happened to my friends 01 and parts of the spark plug fell into the cylinder walls and scratched it up and he had to fight for honda to put in a new engine. I wish you all the luck in the world. it maybe a battle.

 

That looks really bad! Lets hope nothing found it's way to the cylinders, or else you'll be looking at a new engine. Good luck bro, you need it!

 

All those missing bits of spark plug and coil pack had to go somewhere

 

Yeah, I know guys. I am already assuming that happened too, but I guess I could get lucky...

Thanks for the luck... I'll definitely need it.

 

If you remove your head, you'll know what you're dealing with. Maybe your walls aren't scored you may get away with just a head rebuild, which is def much cheaper! let us know how it goes

 

I made a Dua'a (prayer) for you.

I hope that won't happen to me.

-Mohamamad

 

On the good side, it doesnt look like anything broke off and fell into the cylinder, lets hope thats the case.

 

Ohh youre right >< I should look closer at the pics

 

Dang thats horrible good luck man