QuestionQUESTION: We have a '97 CR-V with about 222,000 miles on it. Engine runs fine, but during the month of Feb. this year we drove it from Iowa to the Texas coast and the check engine light came on. I took it to a recommended auto shop nearby and the guy scanned the computer and said there was a misfire code. He performed a tuneup -- new plugs, wires, etc., and fuel filter. It ran fine for about a week (in rainy weather), then the light came on again. Then it turned off on my drive back north. It turned on again back here in Iowa. My regular mechanic here said a scan showed a misfire in 3 and 4. I took it to a guy who only works on Hondas. He scanned it and got a misfire code. He took if for a drive and thought it had exhaust valve issues, carbon building up. It starts and runs like a top, but that mechanic said it should eventually have a valve job, that a couple valves may be shot already. $1,500. My regular mechanic gave me some "Cfoam"? additive for the gas to see if it may break down whatever carbon deposits may exist in those valves. I am holding off on having the head pulled. What do you think?
thanks,
bob
ANSWER: Bob, lol "seafoam" is the name of the product - temporary fix though. The head of the 2.0 should be replaced or rebuilt by only a specific Honda tech. Who knows if the exhaust valves are floating or not but at 220K you are not doing that bad with your CR-V. Head job is what i would recommend along with new timing belt and water pump. Or ignore the problem and trade it in? The choice is yours deal with the head going South or trade it for someone else to deal with. Sorry to be straight forward but that is the issue you are describing and i am giving you your best situation to follow with the present issue at hand.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your frank opinion, Travis--
The mechanic who only works on Hondas and Acuras also is blaming carbon buildup on ethenol gas, which most of us use out here in the Midwest -- it's often a dime cheaper per gallon. I am not a chemist but after talking to a couple guys whose scientific opinions I respect, I am inclined to believe that ethenol is NOT contributing to carbon buildup in the engine. What do you think? // One more: Since there is no troublesome side effect to the CRV's performance because of bad valves at this point -- the check engine light continues to be OFF -- is it possible that I may go many more miles before I need to deal with the head? What can I expect? thanks, bob in iowa
AnswerYep, and a second or third opinion is always helpful too. If the exhaust valves due go - you will see blue smoke exiting the tail pipe. Which is oil being burnt. Meaning you will be using a bit more oil from the system that's all. I say drive it! If you are still getting good gas mileage and no CEL's you are good to go in my opinion. Best of luck to you...
