I have a jdm second gen b16a and I was just topping the oil off and decided to take a flashlight and look inside with the oil cap off. At which point I noticed some small gashes maybe a half of an inch long on the inner walls, around the exhaust valve for the cylinder closest to the distributor. The car runs perfectly fine, doesn't sound like there's anything caught in there. No excessive valve train noise either. Any clue as to what this could be and if it's potentially harmful? It's dark and rainy right now and I haven't had a chance to snap a picture. I plan on taking off the valve cover once I have some free time. Just looking for some clues.

 

 

Stop trying to take pictures through a 2 inch hole. Just take off the valve cover. its 5 10mm bolts, and MAYBE the spark plug wire holder.

Looks to me like someone damaged it while setting the valve lash.

 

I know the picture is trash, I apologize. Im leaving for work in five and didn't have time to pull it off. I figured I would snap a quick picture for reference.

 

Understood. If its something you're worried about, snap some pictures after work with the valve cover off and some good lighting.

To do that kind of damage, it'd have to be metal. I bet the markings were made by human hands, not the engine.

 

I wouldn't worry about those, but that's me.

 

Probably made by someone wanting to adjust valve lash.
Only concern now should be if metal shavings are in the engine now.
The markings are fine now, only worry is the metal shavings.

 

Got it. Thanks for the replies. I'll look into it further. I'm not super worried about it.

 

Did you just buy the car /engine?
If so i would change the oil and filter.
If not, it will be fine.

 

Had the car with the engine for 2 years, last oil change and filter was about 1700 miles ago.

 

If nothing has happened to it after 2 years. Nothing to worry about now.

 

It's relieving haha.

 

Those are marks left by a dremel or other rotary bit tool. previous owner/machine shop was getting rid of oversize casting ridges...the round right part is where the work was done, and it appears that the line that takes a sharp bend is where the bit skipped.

 

Good. Glad it's nothing serious.