Honda Repair: Repair for Accord Cylinder 1 Misfire., piston ring, honda accord ex

Question
Hello,

I just sent in my 1995 Honda Accord EX (93,000 miles) which had just started running rough (both while idling and accelerating). At about the same time, the Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated as well. I did some research and managed to find out that the ECU was indicating a fault code of 71 indicating that Cylinder 1 was mis-firing.

I brought the car to the mechanic and he confirmed the fault saying that the compression from cylinder 1 was only about 25 while the rest was about 90. He suspects a leak and says that the job would cost at least $1,500 with a top end of $2,200.

I was wondering if there could be an another cause for the low compression? And also if the price quote for the job was reasonable?

Thanks a bunch.
Tim.

Answer
Tim,

If the compression is 25psi, it can be caused by a tight valve, a burnt valve, or a broken piston ring, which is rare. One thing he may want to check is the injector. An injector that is sticking on, will wash down the cylinder, causing low compression. I see a lot of those injectors go bad. If that is the case, it will be an expensive mistake that he made.
You may want to get a second opinion on your car.
As far as the price goes, I would have him give you an estimate in writing.
Gene/Master ASE technician/Honda Platinum technician