How many miles are on that car? The paint on the springs looks pretty fresh!

 

[QUOTE=yogi,Aug 11 2004, 01:21 AM]How many miles are on that car?

 

Well the piston dosen't seem as black as the other ones in the middle....kinda scares me. Ummmm....Thursday we are going back to the dealership to complain about this, see what they are gonna do. I think there is damage to the piston because of the color. Look at the one thats being held, and the other ones still in the engine bay.

BTW that's not my ring, someone at the dealership..lol

 

Eh, the paint off of my springs was nearly all gone @ 50K.

 

one piece of advice, thru this time, retain your humor, that will make it go by better.

 

The piston in your pic has marks on all 4 valve reliefs. The valves made contact with it. The Picture of the valves is not as clear due to the springs being around the stems. I'm willing to bet they are bent after looking at the piston.

It is entirely possible for the crown of the piston to fail due to being hit by the valves previously. Given that the dealer has to put a warranty on the repairs, replacing the piston as well is good insurance.

 

Two things to keep in mind with Honda Customer Relations.

1) If you say "i'm never buying another Honda again, not even a lawn mower"..(actual customer quote) you can forget about any assistance. You need to give them a reason to want to help you, like you, think your a good guy etc.

2)" Honda Care" is not the same thing as Honda Warranty. Its more like an insurance company that pays claims through Honda. Still far better than a standard insurance company - any other ESP and you would be shut down already.

Peace

 

Looking at the piston again, it does look like all four valves have nudged the piston, but I don't think it's enough to cause any real piston damage, it's just broken the carbon. I can't tell in the pic if the other pistons are like that, but if all four valves hit, you are most likely going to have problems on other cylinders.

 

If you cannot negotiate at least partial coverage for the work your existing motor wont be too expensive to resurrect. Either fit a new piston, or get the existing one crack tested. If the valves hit hard enough to damage the piston there will be telltale cracks showing on the underside.

With a new piston/rings you would normally lightly hone the bore to assist bedding in of the new rings. Alternatively, reuse the existing rings with the existing piston if it checks out OK.

Head wise, get the valve guides checked for damage as sometimes the bent valves can flare the bottom of the guide.

Hopefully, the parts list should only be

1x piston and rings ( maybe)
1x head gasket
4x valves
4x valve guides (maybe)

Good luck.

Speedracer.

 

since you have the head off, you may want to look into aftermarket valve springs and retainers so this thing never happens again.