Ive got a 99 EM1 with factory b16a2 sittin at 185,xxx miles... few days ago it began sputtering pretty bad and idling very rough. Distributor and other ignition components are good, mechanical timing is also good, only codes are for VSS malfunction and catalyst effic. When checking the plugs, all were fine except for #4 cylinder had oil gummed all over the electrode, replaced plug with known working plug and car still idles and runs the same. Im leaning towards a burnt valve or blown valve seal...will post video if needed, any help is greatly appreciated! TIA

 

do a comp test

 

You say catalyst effic makes me think O2 sensor but I could be wrong

 

Not an o2 that code simply means that some of the catalyst material is missing from the cat. And its an old code

 

Compression test will be done, i already know i have a little leak down on my rings...will check anyways to see if the numbers have went down.. last test was between 150-157

 

sounds like you need to rebuild the engine

 

Because of some valves? The compression isnt that low, it had 165ish when i bought it from my friends father in 01 with 42k easy driven miles on it.

 

you said 150 157? thats pretty low, i was told by honda 130 its done and your pretty close to that.

 

i vote REBUILD. Nothing like a fresh engine!

 

I agree with you... cant afford a rebuild at the moment though, single father with no help or support from the mother...bitch, anyways i did have a 92 4door that had around 110 across the board and only used about a quart a week. And honda told me that 150s 160s was good to go. Either way, i would still like to know if you guys think my current problems sounds like a valve problem...im thinking it is, but want opinions before pulling the head. Thanks again guys

 

150-60 isnt the end of the world or anything, its a honda after all lol, id say you take care of this thing theres no reason it shouldnt last long enough for you to scrape some cash togher, but i would deffinetly yank the head and see whats going on.

 

head job ftw

 

My question is, would bad valves/valve seals or guides make it spit and sputter the way it is? I know that would explain the oil all over the #4 plug. And if i pull the head ill definitely have a little shaved, ported and have a 3angle done probably. Ive heard 5angle is more for forced induction apps, true?

 

Yes, Oil on the spark plug would be a definete sign of bad valve seals. Pull the head. The spitting and sputtering could be from compression loss on that cylinder, which could be caused by a bad valve.

As far as a five angle valve job, A normal valve seat has three angles. These angles make up the seat of the valve. When you have a five angle valve job you have a greater seat surface and a more precise seat seal. But you wouldnt see any noticable gains unless you were doing an all motor build (blueprinted, balanced, etc.)

 

got ya... thanks.