SJR

did a quick tune up in the parking lot at lunch time (plugs, wires, dist cap and rotor) and a couple of things happened:

1- I noticed that for the second time in a row, the stupid little screw that holds down the distributor rotor had come off and chewed up the plastic shield... This never used to happen.. Am I just getting weaker and not able to tighten down that screw? Has anybody else had that problem? I'm gonna start using some loctite blue. Luckily this has not caused and problems (yet) but its unnerving to know there's a piece of metal floating around in there...

2- when I pulled plug #3, there was much oil all over it... I checked the old wire, and there seemed to be some oil on the inside of the boot (?) but none outside, perfectly dry. That seems to rule out the valve cover seal, right? But then does that mean that my cylinder is filling up with oil when the car sits? may be a bad ring? I am baffled, and WORRIED... help.

TIA

TimoneX

I put loctite on my rotor. Haven't had any issues. Don't panic, do a compression test.

Dutchie

Have you had to take it out yet? I will assure you that you will have issues then.

Have you tried tightening the screw with a rachet and a no2 phillips head? If you do that and still have issues break out the locktite. Don't use much of that crap though, or you will have a helluva time getting that screw out again.

As for the oil. Ya compression test time.
Like you said, it won't be the seals.

SJR

yeah, that's why I hadn't put any loctite the first it happened - I figured I just forgot to tighten real good, and I did not want to have to mess with taking it off after it sat in heat and cold for several months - it ain't exactly the most accessible screw on the whole car...
thanks for the input - I guess I get to do a compression test (or have one done) - I got an air compressor, can't you get a tool attachment to do your own test?

S.

TimoneX

Assure me all you like, but loctite is easily broken loose. It's not intended as a super glue substance, merely to prevent things from loosening on there own.

SJR

sure - there are 2 types of loctite, though: the blue, removable one, and the red - PERMANENT - kind. I've known people who have confused the two, and deeply regretted it...

Dutchie

You should try your local auto store and see if you can borrow a tester. I guess Autozone or Pep boys. Canadian Tire up here lets you borrow them. Unfortunately, some of them don't fit into the Honda motors so they are useless. Maybe if you talk real nice to your local Honda mechanic.
http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/c.../comptest.html

SJR

well, the web's a beautiful thaing. after a little search, I can buy a nice brand new leak-down Longacre tester for about $100, or I can make one for around $50... or pay Acura $200 to do it for me! Well, now, whaddaya think?

http://www.lafishmag.com/LeakDownTester.html

methinks I'm gonna take a little trip to Sears: about $25 for the regulator, and I found a 14mm spark plug hose for $12 (powerhouseproducts) plus shipping - from there it's only a male and a female adapters for the air and a little teflon tape. Piece of cake.

thanks
Sebastien.