I have a 2003 Honda accord I-4 and it won't run. I try to start the car and all I does is crank, won't fire unless I hold the throttle down. In order for it to idle, I need to hold the throttle at 1000+ rpm. It almost sounds like an snowmobile. I have done a number of things attempting to resolve this problem. I have checked the valve lash, changed spark plugs, dropped the cat, installed a new cam sensor (because of a code), and a crank sensor (because of a misfire code). I am getting such a headache trying to figure it out. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help.

 

Needs a new timing chain, chain tensioner, and guides. Hopefully the cam timing didn't jump too far and bend the valves.

Since the chain is stretched and the tensioner likely damaged, I'm also betting that it's an oil burner and you ran it low on oil constantly - in that case, you'll probably want to just swap in a complete used engine.

 

I would hate to have to throw more money at this and it not be the problem. Although I did consider that an issue too, wishful thinking I guess. I know that all hondas are oil burners and this one is no exception, we watch it pretty closely. Thanks for the help, I guess I really don't have a choice but to do the chain.

 

A new chain won't fix it if the valves are bent, obviously. You're going to want to check those out before buying timing chain parts that you can't return once installed.

Have you owned the car since new? Where have you been taking it for oil chages and what oil viscosity has been used? What sort of oil change interval mileage have you been running? How much oil has the car been going through?

 

Valves aren't bent. Had the car for 3 years and I started running semi-synthetic for a clean crossover to full synthetic. I either run castrol, valvoline, or mobil1 every 3,000-5,000 miles 5w-20.

 

Not all hondas burn oil. My 99 Civic was very good once I switched it to full synthetic (5w30 castrol syntec). At most it used 1/2 qt between 3-4k mile oil change intervals. I think that was just when I beat on it that it really used oil up. Still, not bad for a car with 170,000 miles. My current car is a 06 accord I4. It burns very little if any oil. I use full synthetic 5w20 castrol.

For the oil usage I'd look closely at the seals around the engine to see if there are any leaks. K series engines (I4's in 03+ accords) are one of the best honda motors I've seen as far as oil use goes. If good care is taken they will use very little if any oil.

Anyway let us know how the chain replacement goes.

 

X2. I had a 1989 CRX Si and a 1995 Accord before, and now a 2009 Accord. None of these Hondas I owned burned excessive amounts of oil. Usually 1/2 qt between oil changes. But, I always used Mobil 1 synthetic.