Hi,
Well, after two trips to the shop it is confirmed that Cylinder #3 has extremely low compression and developing a dead spot. Both said I should buy a used engine if I want to keep the car. I have a Acura CL 2.3 with F23AI engine that is also commonly used in Accords. The one shop I am thinking about going with says he would have to order it from California; which likely gets it from Japan. This company promises him low mileage but he said there really is no way of telling. Some engines he has done looked like they were right out of the factory while others already had a new timing belt replaced. Anyway, my other options are to use a couple of buddies that I would still pay but obviously they would be much less than what a shop would charge. Also, I would need to get the engine myself. Any recommendations on where to get a used low mileage engine? Thanks!

 

Oh, also if anyone can give me advice on what to watch out for when replacing this engine regardless of who I use. I already know i should replace the timing belt while doing this. Was curious about other parts/issues too.