Got a used '89 Civic DX with a D16Y7 motor in it. Still DPFI, ODB0 dizzy. Previous owner had a burned exhaust valve, I had a valve job done. I assume that job was done properly, I was told the valve stem guides were all replaced, and the car doesn't smoke at cold start anymore.

However, I am burning oil visibly in my rearview in low gears. Presumably it is happening a lot at highway speeds too although it is only visible once in a while.

I notice severe smoking after I coast down a hill in 5th gear. At the bottom, when I hit the gas pedal again, there is a lot of smoke. In fact, accelerating after coasting down a hill is when I notice the biggest problem with burning oil/smoking.

I've read in other posts that this is typical of worn piston rings. Which makes sense, since the car was running on 3 cylinders until I had the burned valve replaced.

I'm looking for some advice, suggestions, other people's experience on what I can do to manage this problem, short of rebuilding the engine...

I am burning about one quart of oil every 500 miles. I don't burn oil at idle, it's not smoking at stoplights (yet). I plan to do a compression test soon, when I find the time.

How much life might this motor have left in it? Is it enough to check my oil regularly and add to the mark? I know I'll foul out my plugs sooner. What else do I need to keep an eye on?

I think it will be less expensive to purchase a used motor than it will be to pay someone to rebuild this engine. I don't have the space (or the tools) to tear it apart myself.

So I'm wondering how much longer I will be able to drive my car. Will my rings start to get worse in a hurry or does she have some miles left in her?

I know it's hard to say without seeing the car but any advice is appreciated.

 

It'll probably keep on going for a while. Mine burns a bit worse than yours I think and has burned oil since I swapped it last year. I thought about seafoaming it just for fun but I know nothing is going to stop it. If you're planning on running that motor for a while, might as well get the rings replaced.

 

man hows it run dpfi?

did the same swap ran it dpfi for a week ran like ****

if your certain the heads good just grab a known good short block slap the together

it will last as long as u keep oil in it my b2 ran for 10xxx miles berning oil and had a cracked head gasket :p