ZackC

Got a used Integra from my buddy because he got in the Jeep game. Has some problems, there's an oil leak and cylinder 4 only has 30psi compression. What could it be, should I rebuild/overhaul or should I just buy different motor?

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

That's a super vague description, no one could tell if you should overhaul or swap it just from "30 psi". You should do a full leak down test and pin point the cause of your low compression. How many miles are on the block? Depending on its condition, it'd be easier just to start from a more fresh bottom end as getting it back to great running order could require an expensive visit to a machine shop. Anyway, more diagnostics and get a better idea with what's going on. Also check vacuum leaks, dirty intake parts, etc.

ZackC

Well hey, I literally just got the car and am waiting for it to arrive. All I know about the motors current condition is it can run and drive but it's got an oil leak that's more than likely from the janky cam seal that I can almost peel off, and cyl4 has really low compression. All I need to know is what things I should attempt to find where the compression is being lost and what to look for and you can ASK the information you might need to hear to give such advise, as I'm not telepathic and not yet physically having the car right here to work on, there's only so much I can tell you without asking my friend or waiting until I am free enough to go down there and bring it back which will probably be my next payday so I can really get the ball rolling.

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

Again, Leak down test. Lots of information on that around honda-tech, team-integra, google, etc. If you're not familiar with them, It's basically a reverse compression test and you use it to determine where the compressed air is escaping from.

ZackC

Alright I'll check out some information. What do you think about that busted out cam seal, do you think that could be the cause of the car using so much oil and depositing it on the transmission? It's right there on that side, that or the head gasket. Both will be replaced the same time. Prolly getting the Blox billet seal, it looks the best and the others don't seem to be billet and I'm not getting the janky oem seal. My dad instantly assumed cracked head, which I'm fairly sure it's not, but I wasn't aware if the b18b had any typical issues that might be similar to what's afflicting my car. So again if I'm being vague poke me for more details so I can be clear. But I will do the leak down test because it's only running on 3 cylinders atm lolol
​lolol

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

If you know a cam seal is bad, then that's probably the cause of oil on the transmission. Doubt it's a cracked head, not like it was some high horsepower boosted motor. Best way to diagnose is to pop the hood open when you have the car, turn it on and watch for where the oil is coming. If you say there's some on the tranny then that's a good clue where to look. With 30psi in one of your cylinders, your going to have to pull the head anyway so that'd be great good time to change your seals, gaskets, etc. Just make sure you get quality brands. Also I'd highly recommend getting a copy of the official HELMS manual before you start getting into things. It's the 2000 plus page honda service manual for our cars with detailed write ups on everything. I can't link you to it (rules) but you can find it with a quick google

ZackC

Thats what it looks like though.

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

Nice. Is it a 96 or 97?

tamboo

Your Guide to Buying Quality Aftermarket Maintenance Parts for your Civic:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...civic-3114911/

ZackC

97 GS

ZackC

At least it isn't an automatic 4 door ls lol good ole 5 speed coupe gs lmao

thewrai6th

Pop the head off and take a look. Could be a valve, blown head gasket or piston ring. If you are really lucky, it's a bad head gasket and less than $100 to fix. If you are really unlucky, it's a cracked sleeve and you need to buy a new block.

If you don't want to take the head off for some reason, I second the leakdown test. That's about your only way to diagnose with the engine assembled.

Looks like a nice ride!

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

I second that ^^
Also, GS trim option didn't start until '98. If it has a sun roof than it's either an LS or SE.

ZackC

Might be a 98 I'm not entirely sure
​​sure what we're the oem GS wheels like

jdmark1

iTrader: (2)

You're front bumper says it's before 1998. The paint color says it's at least 1996. So either 96 or 97. The wheels are aftermarket.

ZackC

I know I have a picture with stock rims though lol
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ZackC

If it is an LS it's all gsd out then because I looked up 97 gsr and a green one that looked just like my teg did stock came up, so it's all very confusing and there's barely any difference so I'm just gonna say it looks good not stock lmao

ZackC

Nah mate, VIN sourced as a 1997 GS and I looked all over the internet and they are a thing
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