2009 Acura TSX with 75k miles purchased from only other owner. Issue was deemed (by Acura dealership) to be a stretched timing chain. Engine would turn over but not start. Coworker didn't want to deal with it so sold at quite a low price. Changed timing chain, tensioner, guides, and VTEC actuator with genuine Honda parts.
Now the engine starts and runs ok (initially) but has a tap or tick that sounds like its on the exhaust side of cylinder 3. It sounds & feels like an exhaust pipe. Also, cylinder 3 has 50-70 psi lower compression that 1, 2, or 4. It is still in spec (~130 psi). It runs & drives ok for a few miles with no CEL. Then the CEL comes on & sometimes is accompanied by a "check emissions" warning. After a few more miles, the CEL begins blinking and it goes into what appears to be limp mode, i.e. low power & will not go > 3000 rpm. The only code is for cylinder 3 misfire. Even when it's running badly, the #3 coil can be disconnected, & it makes a difference so it is actually firing.
Also noticed that when the oil filler cap is removed there is a lot of pressure.
Any thoughts - bad valve, piston, rings? Two issues? What causes higher crankcase pressure like that?
Thanks.
Now the engine starts and runs ok (initially) but has a tap or tick that sounds like its on the exhaust side of cylinder 3. It sounds & feels like an exhaust pipe. Also, cylinder 3 has 50-70 psi lower compression that 1, 2, or 4. It is still in spec (~130 psi). It runs & drives ok for a few miles with no CEL. Then the CEL comes on & sometimes is accompanied by a "check emissions" warning. After a few more miles, the CEL begins blinking and it goes into what appears to be limp mode, i.e. low power & will not go > 3000 rpm. The only code is for cylinder 3 misfire. Even when it's running badly, the #3 coil can be disconnected, & it makes a difference so it is actually firing.
Also noticed that when the oil filler cap is removed there is a lot of pressure.
Any thoughts - bad valve, piston, rings? Two issues? What causes higher crankcase pressure like that?
Thanks.
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