So I just swapped in a DOHC ZC into my 91 Civic Wagon RT4wd. Got the long block from M's JDM motors. I have put about 400mi on it and it has overall been driving well until this past weekend..

While driving in the mountains here in CO I was going uphill on i70 and I noticed a slight power loss and some possible noise. I got off the highway shortly after and stopped at a friends to check things out. When I got off the highway the power loss at low speeds/rpm was way more noticeable also the knocking or ticking noise was apparent. After checking it out while it was sitting with the hood open it does seem like some kind of valve noise or rod knock but I am not 100% sure. Wanted to get some other opinions..the noise seems to start around 2k and then taper off once it gets over 3.5k (or at least cant hear it). I tried pulling plug wires individually to see if a specific cyl causes it and the one closest to the dizzy seems to be the culprit. This makes me think its a rod bearing but could it be anything else?? Is there anything else I should test/try? I am having a hard time believing that a good condition motor from an importer could have this happen already... here is a link to a video of the sound: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cbdap506dll=0

Other questions I have..I searched a bit for some but still not 100% on these:

- CEL code 9 - makes me think the wiring for the CAS is not right. I switched the wires but it still happens. Tested resistance per this article - Diagnostic Code Charts - TheZCR.com Forums and it looks like it may need to be replaced. Where can I get a new CAS or what type of car from the junkyard?? Anything else I should check for this?

Temp gauge not working - I am guessing its not plugged in but I didnt see any plugs that were not plugged in when my friend and I finished the swap..figured I would double check here for recommendations.

edit - ended up working it out with the company that sold me the engine..took it to a shop to get everything fixed and they are paying. Great customer service over at M's JDM Motors for sure.

 

Your video link doesn't work for me.

I'm not a Honda expert like some here, but I've rebuilt many other older '60s and '70s era engines. I would certainly want to do a compression test and consider the valves before going after a rod bearing.

If you're referring to: "CODE-9-NO.1 CYLINDER POSITION" on the other site, that could have a lot to do with what you're describing.

I'm sure there are some people here that can give you specific data.

 

Ill have to try to get a compression test kit rental..IIRC autozone rents them.

edit - ended up working it out with the company that sold me the engine..took it to a shop to get everything fixed and they are paying. Great customer service over at M's JDM Motors for sure.

 

Wait till you hear from some other people here. There is a sensor that reads the #1 cylinder position and I'm sure someone here knows more about that.