1994 Prelude Si motor issues questions
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Columbus, OH, US
1994 Prelude Si motor issues questions
I have a 1994 Prelude Si, 5-Speed
It has motor issues and I need some sound advise, I'm new to preludes.
I picked it up for $1000 and am trying to get rid of it for what I paid, but I haven't had much luck. I thought it would be worth a good deal with a motor swap.
Since it won't sell, what is my most economical choice in just getting it running again because other than the motor it is in excellent shape.
The motor blows a lot of smoke, and my 'expert' friend diagnosed it as a piston ring and even told me which one.
The previous owners swapped the head with another stock one due to heat issues, and I think it could be throwing oil into the mix several places and burning smoke, either way it needs taken apart and repair or replaced.
What is my most economical way to fix it? If I don't replace it with the same Si motor is there an alternative motor that would be cheaper that is an idiot proof swap in?
I really just want to sell the car for what I paid for it (my friend was gonna do the motor swap and backed out). Or fix it as long as it doesn't cost me more in the end.
I'm trying to get an Integra instead, though the Prelude is a very nice car.
It has motor issues and I need some sound advise, I'm new to preludes.
I picked it up for $1000 and am trying to get rid of it for what I paid, but I haven't had much luck. I thought it would be worth a good deal with a motor swap.
Since it won't sell, what is my most economical choice in just getting it running again because other than the motor it is in excellent shape.
The motor blows a lot of smoke, and my 'expert' friend diagnosed it as a piston ring and even told me which one.
The previous owners swapped the head with another stock one due to heat issues, and I think it could be throwing oil into the mix several places and burning smoke, either way it needs taken apart and repair or replaced.
What is my most economical way to fix it? If I don't replace it with the same Si motor is there an alternative motor that would be cheaper that is an idiot proof swap in?
I really just want to sell the car for what I paid for it (my friend was gonna do the motor swap and backed out). Or fix it as long as it doesn't cost me more in the end.
I'm trying to get an Integra instead, though the Prelude is a very nice car.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
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From: GA
Re: 1994 Prelude Si motor issues questions
If it burns oil right when you step on the gas, then stops smoking after the car is moving along, it is valve stem seals. If it doesn't burn oil at all until you reach 3500+ RPMs, it is piston rings.
The best way to tell is performing a wet and dry compression test. Write numbers down and compare. Engine warm, fuel pump fuse removed, throttle wide open.
The best way to tell is performing a wet and dry compression test. Write numbers down and compare. Engine warm, fuel pump fuse removed, throttle wide open.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH, US
Re: 1994 Prelude Si motor issues questions
So what would you do?
Sell the 1994 Prelude Si for $900 with a blown piston ring, in still running condition.
Or would I get more money out of it buy replacing or fixing the motor? And if I go this route, is it cheaper to just drop is a running junkyard motor or can I buy a bottom end and swap the head on, but if I do this will it be cheaper than a running junkyard motor?
Sell the 1994 Prelude Si for $900 with a blown piston ring, in still running condition.
Or would I get more money out of it buy replacing or fixing the motor? And if I go this route, is it cheaper to just drop is a running junkyard motor or can I buy a bottom end and swap the head on, but if I do this will it be cheaper than a running junkyard motor?
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