With the compression and leak down tests near perfect i can only guess that its the valve stem seals that is leaking oil into #4? Any other possibilities? I'm trying not to take the head off, is there a way to change it w/o taking the head off?

 

Yes there is a way to change the seals without taking the head off. Its very simple, you put the cylinder top dead center. Then you get a air valve holding tool, which is similar to the leak down tester. It pumps air into the cylinder. It keeps the valves closed under pressure. Then you take the springs off and change the seals. The trick is take your time, you dont want that valve to drop in, or else you have to pull the head. I did all 16 valves on a gsr and it took me about 2 hours. If you have the tools and some time i would do it. If you have any questions let me know.
Good luck
Drboosted

 

You can also do it without the compressed air. I did all my valve seals this past summer with the head on the motor after discovering that my head guy mixed up the intake and exhaust ones. Feed some twine or thin flexible rope into the spark plug hole and then rotate the engine till you can feel tension. The rope should be pressed between the piston and the valve so that it can't fall. You'll need some needle nose pliers with a sharp point on them to get the valve keepers in and out.

 

Air??? Rope??? I think Honda engine are interference engines. Meaning if the piston is at TDC and the valve is open you have contact. How exactly would one drop a valve and have to pull the head? Ive changed valve springs and retainers numerous times and have yet to drop a valve. just make sure you set the piston at TDC for the cylinder you're working on and get to work.

 

someone told me there was a tool for this?

 

Yes you are correct there is a tool for this, that rope thing i wouldnt even think about, and the droping the valve into the cylinder never happened to me. I work at the acura dealer and i have seen a couple mistakes happen and it is possible to do.
Buy the tool and just take your time

 

Thanks Drboosted. I've seen a few tools in the Matco book and a friend has one, but it may not work on my car. I should see the seals this friday and got the set for only $24 and change. Saturday I'll have my guy do the work, but my other guy at Acura said they don't do any engine work or rebuilds they have it done here in town.

 

I only wish to add that the seals are colour coded, black spring exhaust, white spring intake, dont mix em up.