The daughter's 02 rsx apparently has displayed a check engine light for a few weeks now. A few days ago the car experienced a loud bang and stalled at 70mph. The car would start and run ok at low speeds, so it was parked and we towed it home. Beginning with this stalling event the car has a knock i would compare to valve noise, or a small exhaust leak. Checked for trouble codes and got P1122, P1362, P1259, P0341, and P0420. Cam position, o2 sensor, vtec, catalist system stuff. Canceled the codes and took it for a ride. Engine is somewhat noisy, but runs ok until 4000rpm. it won't run up any faster. After the ride the code P1259 for vtec was the only code that repeated. The symptom of maxing out the rpm at 4000 matches the Vtec symptoms i have read about, but the new engine noise does not seem to be mentioned related to the vtec problems. There in lies my questions, Can a Vtec failure somehow contribute to a engine knock or do i likely have more than one problem going on. I have checked the oil, it is full. Thanks

 

just from reading the story and heading the beginning part about a loud band and stalling at 70mph I would say something is definitely wrong. Have you looked into any of the timing yet?

 

Sorry for the late response, the holiday weekend has kept me busy and i just saw your post. Since the car runs great up to 4000 rpm i was doubtful that i had a timing failure, but since the valve cover is easy to remove i did to see what i could see. It is a lot different from the old v8's i'm used to but there was not anything obvious. The timing chain is snug with no slop, I could not see any thing with the cam and valves. But like i said it is very different from what i've practiced with. I adjusted the valves and found all of the exhaust valves a bit loose, and all of the intake valves a bit tight, but none of them were off by much. interestingly I can't find a repair manual specific to this car. That is usually my first step when working on any car. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

You can't find a repair manual?? You can pick up a Honda FSM on eBay for next to nothing. In addition, both Chilton & Haynes both sell repairs manuals for this vehicle. Also the FAQ's are very helpful for working on these... FAQ's

 

Here's the bible for that car.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...M02&itemtype=N

 

Better yet, here's a free online copy of the RSX Factory Service Manual. ;-)


02-06 Acura RSX Factory Service Manual

 

has anyone checked the oil?....all of this could be caused by low oil........

 

Thanks for the links to the manuals, I checked my two regular automotive suppliers and both could not find Chiltons or Haynes manuals. I'll get one down loaded. Regarding he oil, yea the oil level is only about a quarter of a quart down. I don't know the type or grade as the car is a fairly recent acquisition. Thanks, Mark.

 

do not run 5w20.........stuff is good for gas milage, crap for pretection......minamum 5w30.....I run 10w30 winter, 10w40 summer