Questions and Answers

Honda Lost Compression Q. Originally my 1983 Honda Civic CVCC would not start only backfired through the carburetor. I checked the cylinders compression which gave me no reading at all. Consequently I replaced the piston rings and reassembled the engine.

Following reassembly I experienced the same problem. Could it be in the head with the auxiliary valves staying open?? Or do you have any more ideas that could resolve this problem.

Thank you for your time..
Conrad

A. Well before I went through the time and expense of installing new piston rings, I would want to be absolutely sure that was the problem.

When ever you have no compression in a cylinder you need to do a wet and dry compression test. For the dry test you check the compression in the cylinders and note the readings. Then you squirt some oil into each cylinder and retest. If you get a significant rise (about 15%) in compression, then you have bad rings. If there is little or no increase in compression, then the problem is in the valves.

Honda had a problem with carbon build up on the valves causing a sudden loss of compression in all cylinders. To correct this you need to do the following.

1. Remove the air cleaner cover. While someone cranks the engine, slowly pour an "upper cylinder solvent" (Gumout, GM Top Engine Cleaner, or equivalent) into the carburetor. After several seconds of cranking, compression will improve and the engine should start.

   CAUTION: Follow the safety precautions printed on the container.

2. With the engine running, continue to slowly pour the contents of the can (1 pint) into the carburetor.
3. Drive the car for several miles, accelerating the engine to 4000-5000 rpm in first and second gear.

To help prevent this from happening again:

• Accelerate the engine to 4000-5000 rpm at least once each day the car is driven.
• Use a high detergent, unleaded gasoline (a high detergent, low-lead gasoline is OK if the car has no catalytic converter).

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA