So I blew blue smoke at the track yesterday. Crap. It also blows a bit when I first start her up. So sad. Don't know how much time my baby's got left. Going to do a compression test and a leak down soon. And probably install an oil catch can to see if it helps. Before committing to a pricey overhaul what other cheaper things can I try?

 

I doubt an oil catch can will help any.

 

poor thing

 

Aside from thicker oil, changing fluids more regularly, is there anything else I can do to keep her going a little longer?

 

Do you have an R?

 

I have an R motor in a CRX. I know this is the Type R forum but it is the motor that I'm looking for advice on.

 

You might want to try something called "Engine Restorer" - it comes in a metal can. My friends and I have seen wonderful things, and it's only like four dollars at your local Pep Boyz. Probably the best oil additive out there, and the only one that actually makes a difference. Add it after an oil change.

 

Did a compression test and I've got 250lbs in each cylinder. That tells me there's oil in the cylinders sealing the rings creating extra compression. But since it's the same across all the cylinders tells me that maybe it's the valves? What would a leakdown test tell me?

 

Those numbers seem kinda high:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=489116

I'll be doing a leakdown test myself soon, I would try a search for more info though...

 

something is fishy.

maybe you need more nawz.

 

Philly_NBP_R: Thanks for the link. I was reading that earlier.

I know oil is getting in there somehow and the oil is clogging the rings somehow hence the good bit of smoke in Vtec. I'm praying it's the valves. I'll post the results of the leakdown when it's done.

 

My first guess would be valve seals - theyr'e not to hard to replace, but you may have to pull the head...

 

how many miles does the "engine" have on it? do you know?

 

It's been abused. It's a 98 USDM motor. No one ever buys a Type R to be gentle so I'm pretty sure it's taken a beating. It came with "40K" on it (don't they all!?) out of a wreck, so chances are it's not a lady driven daily driver. All used type R motors are a risk no matter what the mileage just because of the abuse they tend to take. Aside from being told it was a low mileage motor I got to honestly answer I have no idea. Compression was fine when I bought the car and it's still equal across all cylinders so I'm hoping it's still a strong motor.

 

Took the car for a leakdown and the valves are sealing fine. Did the compression again, both wet and dry this time and here are the results:

Cylinder#1:
Dry : 185
Wet: 235
Diff: 50 psi

Cylinder #2:
Dry: 190
Wet: 230
Diff: 40psi

Cylinder #3:
Dry: 190
Wet: 210
Diff: 20psi

Cylinder #4:
Dry: 190
Wet: 210
Diff: 20psi

Obviously 1 & 2 are having "issues". Is there anything other than taking it apart to keep it going longer? I've switched to a thicker oil and am just going to keep an eye on the oil levels for now.