jp_mobday

Hey all! It's been a long time since I last posted, as I got rid of my problematic 94 LX and upgraded to an 03 EX. It's been running great up until a few days ago. I checked my oil (I check it about every two weeks), it was a little low (it was down about two quarts) so I changed it and the filter (changed every 3k miles).

The following day, I went to turn the car on, made two or three "put put" sounds (like a tractor or lawn mower starting) then would just stop turning over. I pulled the CEL, and it was showing P0341 and P0139. I did quite a bit of searching and 99% of people say it's just a bad timing chain, but saw one who said it was a bent valve and timing chain. I obviously haven't driven it since it won't start. There wasn't any noise up until this time, there aren't any leaks, just had my battery and spark plugs replaced, and didn't notice any metal shavings in the oil so I was wondering; would a valve go bad even when there aren't any noticeable symptoms beforehand?

hondamark35

I'm no K24 (your engine) expert but i'm think as is the norm, the timing chain tension is controlled by oil pressure. I am sure that the cam phaser (part of i-VTEC system) does rely on oil pressure.

a bent valve(s) is a potential result of chain/timing issues, not a cause for this code.

factory spec oil was used?

check the oil level after the issue? on level ground?

jp_mobday

Thanks for the response! I did fill it with 5w20 and checked the oil on level ground the next day which was right on the fill line. The hood insulator was torn (mice probably) so, though highly unlikely, they could have chewed a cable or something?

hondamark35

possible and not too hard to check. should be able to do a continuity test on the wires if you can track down the right ones.