So recently my b16 in my em1 spun a bearing in cylinder 3. I brought it to a machine shop and we decided to do a full rebuild....but a stock rebuild. I replaced the rods, pistons, rings, gaskets, you know EVERYTHING for a full rebuild. This rebuild was pricey at 1750. So i get the engine put back in my car, he tells me take it easy and only to like 3500-4000 rpm.
I followed his advice, shifting softly, everything. It seemed like the engine was healthy. So after about 150 miles me and my gf decide to go to the local park for a photoshoot. As im pulling into a parking space, my car shuts off. Im like wierd....i dont think i let it stall. So i turn it back on and all of a sudden i hear it knocking how it did before the rebuild. I met up with him for him to hear the engine and he says its down low in cylinder 4 now. When i was getting it built he told me i have a one year warranty on the engine. When i met up with him he was making it seem like im going to have to buy a new set of bearings and maybe pay to get the crank reground or another used crank polished.
I just do not understand, if this is a stock rebuild, and he seems to know what hes doing since he was highly recommended and always has over 20 engines a week....how come this happened to my engine after only 150 miles? Should i demand he fix everything for free? I am very upset that i just spend 1750 and 2 months of no car for this to happen in 4 days.
Cliff notes: Rebuilt b16 to stock specs by good machinist because of spun bearing, drive 150 miles, engine spun another bearing, why?
Thank you for whoever read this post, im so annoyed right now with this, especially since im starting another semester in college next week, i just want to know what to do.

 

The crank might not possibly be straight. If this happened the first time and it happened again you might need another crank and have everything line-honed.

 

Rather than rebuild your current engine get a low milage JDM b16a2 or B18C. It will be a lot cheaper than rebuilding a second time.

 

he should re-check his work.......there is no way an engine with only 150 miles on it will spin a bearing if the clearences were right.

i think he should be paying to fix his mistake..........and if he re-ground your original honda crank that is his first mistake.......you are not supposed to grind honda cranks.

 

Out of curiosity, was your oil pump changed during your rebuild with a new one?

 

yes he did regrind my original crank and then used oversized bearings to accomidate for it. the oil and water pump were changed. everything on this engine was either cleaned or replaced....so it should have ran like it was brand new. I figured i would get this rebuild so i could basically have a brand new motor and not worry about problems. Well im in the process of taking the engine out now...so what should i tell him when i hand him the engine? I want this engine fixed and everything is to be covered by you? I just dont know if he will be like you have to get a new crank and bearings and ill do the labor for free. Because of this rebuild I am broke for the next 2 months!

 

get your money back and buy a gsr or R motor.

 

sounds like you have a builder problem if he did the same build twice. if they were in the clearances were in spec and he followed torques correctly there should be no problem . unless you have a gunked oil pickup or pump. ive seen that happen on a few rebuilds. check to see if you shattered your oil pump gear.

 

We cant assume to much of course since we're not looking at the actual engine with our own eyes. but possibilities could be that measurements on the bearings were off, like ATSMark said, oil pump could have taken a ****, which shouldnt have.

are you using OEM Honda oil pump?

on the bearings, you say they used Oversized bearings, what brand?

If the crank happens to be bad this time, dont use it again. We throw away ALL cranks with spun bearings. Its not a clean and fresh crank to begin with and you already put that much money into it, start off with something in better condition.

 

yes oil pump was a new oem pump....bearings im pretty sure they were that good brand....i forgot the name of the company.....king maybe? i just remember it was a good company. I know everyone is saying measurements could be off but how does that happen to an experienced builder?