My 1998 Honda civic ex with a d16y8 started knocking. I immediately parked it, and wanted to save its life. It's a small knock, the car still starts, but it did suffer from a loss of power.
I'm wondering if I should just buy a engine rebuild kit and replace my pistons, rings, all the bearing, thrust washers and oil pump. I drained the oil, and there very little metal shavings.
I took the head off and it seems to be fine, and were no shavings in it. My pistons look flakey on top. I'm just wondering if this would be a fix. I haven't got it completely apart, but I'm just thinking since it would start up, drive and the knock was minimal replacing what I mentioned would solve the problem?
Thanks!

 

Wrong forum, knocking is bottom end not the head. You likely need rod bearings if you are describing this correctly. Don't wait for the idiot light to check your oil anymore.