RedAztec's Update Thread

[redaztec]

Well, since there are so many update threads in here, I figured I'd add my own!

I've had my 89 LX-i for just barely two weeks, but there's a reason it was a $150 car. Lots of stuff needs fixing and upgrading! Much more to come.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8567/img0156smallxd1.jpg (http://img514.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0156smallxd1.jpg)

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/2320/img0160smallrc9.jpg (http://img102.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0160smallrc9.jpg)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8492/img0170smallvf3.jpg (http://img523.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0170smallvf3.jpg)

Here's the list of the repairs/upgrades I've done so far:
New engine oil (of course)
New battery (old one was dead when I picked up the car)
New wiper blades
New spark plugs
New TW sensor
Re-soldered EFI main relay (now the car starts when it's warm outside!)
New speakers (just wal-mart cheapies for now - nothing stellar but they'll keep me happy until I've finished the mechanical repairs and saved up some more cash)

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/253/img0132smallmp9.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0132smallmp9.jpg)

So I found this interesting gem of a repair job while poking around under the hood. New parts on the way...

[Pico]

Have fun working on your 3G, it's a very addicting car to work on

[MessyHonda]

i think i need to do my main relay also. but yeah looks like you are doing the basic of a 18 year old car.

[redaztec]

Yep, that's the plan for now - get the basic repair/maintenance done and then figure out the rest. I've already become addicted to working on it and learning about what kinds of things need to be done. A lot more needs to be done, but it already seems like a completely different car from the one I bought a few weeks ago.

Next on the list: distributor cap, rotor, and vacuum advance, and cleaning the throttle body (which sometimes sticks a bit).

[ryan2107]

the body looks fine so im assuming alot of ur work need to be done is just engine work?

[redaztec]

Well, the body's a bit dented in a few places, but it's not too bad, so I'm focusing on the mechanical stuff right now.

[Civic Accord Honda]

nice whip

[Sporno]

theres alot of stuff you can get from a junkpard thats actually a performance part

sway bars , sensors , ecu .... lots of stuff

and pico is right .. youll get addicted quick

looks prtty good ..have fun with it

[forrest89sei]

Looks like you got a good deal for $150 :D

[Blkblurr]

Looks like you got a good deal for $150 :D
I agree. That does look like a good deal.

[redaztec]

Well, yes, I did get a good deal for $150, but as one would expect, I'm constantly finding more things wrong with it! :Owned:

Still, it looks nicer now that it's been cleaned!
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2302/sunaccordhf7.th.jpg (http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sunaccordhf7.jpg)

So I've been working on more maintenance-type stuff. The car's been misfiring noticeably (especially at idle but occasionally at higher speeds too). I replaced the distributor cap, rotor, vacuum advance, and spark plug wires and made sure the timing was right. I already replaced the spark plugs a couple weeks ago. It makes me happy to see both vacuum hoses attached to the vacuum advance now - I hate it when things are broken...

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9816/distributorcg2.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=distributorcg2.jpg)

This helped and the car is misfiring less often, but it's still a problem.

A couple days later I was poking around a bit more under the hood and noticed that the pipe that goes from the air cleaner housing to the throttle body was disconnected from the air cleaner housing and the clamp that was supposed to be holding it on was missing (it's kind of deep in there which is why I never noticed it before).

So, the car's been breathing dirty air for who knows how long. I fixed it, but it wouldn't surprise me if the dirt buildup inside the engine has already scored the cylinder walls leading to low compression and misfiring. I guess the next step is a compression check.

If anyone has any suggestions of things I should repair/test regarding this misfiring I'd greatly appreciate it!

[redaztec]

So I've been pretty busy, both with the cars and school, and have forgotten to post updates. Here's some of the things that have been keeping me busy!

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/714/IMG_0221.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0221.jpg)
Hooray, new carpet for the Accord! It's in, though I still need to get the edges trimmed up and the trim panels back on properly. More images once that's finished.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9046/IMG_0229.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0229.jpg)
That's the RSX, not the Accord. I'm not really sure what caused this tire to blow up so catastrophically, but that happened as I was doing 75 down the highway at night. Luckily there was no other traffic so I pulled over quickly and avoided any damage to the car. Not even the wheel was damaged! Oh well, it was the excuse I needed to buy those BFGoodrich g-Force KDW tires I've wanted for a while.

So, back to the Accord. I've known for a while that the injectors were leaky, so I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a new set of injectors. I wasn't quite expecting what I found when I pulled the old ones out:

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2659/IMG_0244.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0244.jpg)
Not only were they leaking, two were actually broken. I wonder how long they've been that way?

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9922/IMG_0233.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0233.jpg)
The injector leakage left a lot of grime on the intake. While the O-rings were clearly leaking, some of that leakage came from the plastic-metal seam on the injectors themselves.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6274/IMG_0232.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0232.jpg)
New injectors! Stock-level replacements from Accel.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9338/IMG_0236.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0236.jpg)
Everything is much cleaner now.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7404/IMG_0237.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=IMG_0237.jpg)
The engine feels so much more powerful now, especially in the low revs. Should be even better soon, once I get a new fuel pump installed as well.

[Civic Accord Honda]

nice

[GraniteLXI]

Odd how you didn't notice the 2 injectors being broken as far as the power goes...maybe they did work just they sprayed like shit i bet tho.... Defiantly doing some great work there though :)

[redaztec]

Thanks for the comments!

GraniteLXI: Before installing the injectors I had noticed that the engine was lacking in power (especially the low revs); however it has been like that since I got the car so I didn't quite know what to expect. Like you said, they must have worked, just not sprayed well. While I knew it wasn't normal, I assumed the problem was mostly due to the weak fuel pump. I didn't expect it to get that much better, especially without replacing the fuel pump.

[redaztec]

I finally finished getting the new carpet trimmed and installed, as well as cleaning and reinstalling the interior trim panels!

I decided to go with black carpet rather than the stock color. I'm pleased with the result, especially since I've never been a fan of the maroon color to begin with.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/9383/img0251zb9.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0251zb9.jpg)

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3724/img0249vt0.th.jpg (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0249vt0.jpg)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9237/img0246xf1.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0246xf1.jpg)

[MessyHonda]

black carpet rule

[Civic Accord Honda]

very nice

[headbanger]

nice work

[Civic Accord Honda]

and dude i must say u have one of the nicest maroon interiors i have seen ... if mine would of been that clean it would not be on its way to the junkyard

[Hazwan]

Much better. Now do the whole interior in black!

[redaztec]

Thanks! It took quite a lot of scrubbing and Armorall to get the interior to look like that - it looked quite terrible when I first got the car. Even so, the camera is still hiding the defects you'd see in person - the dash and door panels do have a few small cracks.

I would like to do the whole interior in black like you suggested, Hazwan, but I have yet to figure out how to do that. I could paint the dash and vinyl parts of the door panels, but there are still the carpeted parts of the door panels, seats, and seatbelts. I imagine getting them reupholstered or finding a whole set of interior panels could be fairly expensive. I guess I'll just have to check out the junkyards next time I go into the city and see what's there.

[redaztec]

Just a little update - I've finally been able to find time to replace the fuel pump. It never completely died, but the car was getting harder to start, and acceleration was inconsistent, especially if the tank was less than 3/4 full. It seems to be running better now, and acceleration is noticeably quicker as well!

I was very impressed with how easy the fuel pump was to replace. I helped my roommate replace the fuel pump in his 88 Buick a few months back, and we had to drain the tank and drop it to access the pump. Honda clearly thought much more about their design than GM did!

Up next is figuring out what, if anything, will need to be done to get it to pass the emissions inspection. I think it's going to need a new cat.

[forrest89sei]

Sweet :D

If you need a NEW cat, let me know, I have a NEW IN BOX Catco Cat

[redaztec]

Nice, I see you've got it posted in the Trading Post. I'll think about that and get back to you soon - definitely a better deal than buying it from Summit!

[Tomisimo]

Have fun working on your 3G, it's a very addicting car to work on
You dont say that :D LoL..
Have fun with Your car RedAztec!!

[Tomisimo]

...double post...

[redaztec]

Yep, I'm pretty addicted to working on it, at least when school's not killing me! Just one more year of that nonsense, or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Anyhow, today I ran some seafoam through the engine through the brake booster. I already ran some through the fuel system prior to replacing injectors, pump, and filters. Even so, it was amazing how much smoke spewed out the exhaust. I even got a call from one of my friends who saw me driving down the road and was worried my engine was about to blow up!

It seems to be smoother and more powerful now, but I think I did finally clog up the cat. At least I remembered to put in a set of old O2 sensors before running the seafoam - they got pretty nasty afterward.

[redaztec]

Well, I've failed my emissions test, as I thought I might. I didn't think it would be as bad as it was though. HC is 1810 at idle, and max is 200. Not as bad at 2600 RPM though - 221 with max at 200. Argh. At least I've been working a lot of overtime so I can afford to fix it. Onward to the compression/leakdown test...

[forrest89sei]

Well, I've failed my emissions test, as I thought I might. I didn't think it would be as bad as it was though. HC is 1810 at idle, and max is 200. Not as bad at 2600 RPM though - 221 with max at 200. Argh. At least I've been working a lot of overtime so I can afford to fix it. Onward to the compression/leakdown test...

Well based on that HC, you should Check your EGR Valve and give it a good cleaning,

[redaztec]

I'll check that out, thanks!

[Cheeseburger]

looking good maing!

[AccordB20A]

man emissions must really suck.

your cars pretty nice these days. shame i had to wait forever for the pics to load cause imageshacks pissing around today it seems

[redaztec]

looking good maing!


man emissions must really suck.

your cars pretty nice these days. shame i had to wait forever for the pics to load cause imageshacks pissing around today it seems

Thanks for the compliments!

Agreed, emissions do suck, but now everything's fixed and it passed with flying colors! It turns out that the exhaust valve adjuster for Cyl #1 was way too tight, so naturally that valve wasn't sealing properly. Who knows how it got that way, but it's working now! Naturally, it idles much more smoothly now as well.

[redaztec]

Finally getting some real work done for the first time in what feels like a very long while!

First off, got my MSD Blaster 3 coil installed. Idle seems a bit smoother, not amazing but not bad at all!
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/9598/070408133300ca5.th.jpg (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070408133300ca5.jpg)

Opened up the motor for the first time to check timing belt and replace water pump. Cleaned the surface between the head and the valve cover (as clearly hadn't been done last time the cover was off). Hopefully that will keep the oil from seeping out too much until I pick up the new gasket (tomorrow if all goes according to plan). That's why I should never have let the shop touch it. grr....
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/3794/070508154700ky8.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070508154700ky8.jpg)

Water pump went in without too much trouble, except that the little rubber plug that goes through the lower timing belt cover over one of the water pump screws broke into multiple hard-to-extract pieces.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8303/070508174800gv2.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070508174800gv2.jpg)

Then after all that, I noticed that the car suddenly became louder. I found this hanging out of a gaping hole in the muffler. Oops. Time to upgrade!
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/6591/070908193400lj6.th.jpg (http://img70.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070908193400lj6.jpg)

Edit: Oh, and I recharged the AC, too. It's been a hot summer - it's nice to finally have AC!

[87roach]

Nice man, I know what it feels like to finally get some work done too, haha.

[chowder]

haha nice

[redaztec]

So, first of all, a couple of weeks ago I re-painted the door trim. I used a dye designed particularly for automotive body trim. It seems to have worked reasonably well! Of course I did all of the trim. These pictures are just to show the horrible contrast between what it used to look like and what it looks like now.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7172/081608113701hf4.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=081608113701hf4.jpg)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6626/081608113700mf8.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=081608113700mf8.jpg)

Next, I ordered a bunch of new trim pieces. First and easiest, a new H logo for the hood, as the old one had fallen off!
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6707/img0274im9.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0274im9.jpg)

Front windshield trim followed. 19 years in the hot Southwest sun has taken it's toll:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3527/img0277ct6.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0277ct6.jpg)

But now it looks better!
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/9943/img0280kv6.th.jpg (http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0280kv6.jpg)

Same with the rear windshield trim. This should have been easy, but whoever installed (or more likely, replaced) the rear windshield used too much windshield glue, which filled in the clips and actually glued the top edge trim down. Despite their best efforts, I was able to remove and replace the broken clips and install the new trim without damaging anything other than the old trim and a couple clips. It just took a long time.
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4858/img0278qd3.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0278qd3.jpg)
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7844/img0281vc3.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0281vc3.jpg)

New wheel caps too! I prefer the stock look, for those wondering why I didn't just buy aftermarket wheels.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4489/img0276ta6.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0276ta6.jpg)
http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2117/img0283sr3.th.jpg (http://img359.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0283sr3.jpg)

Oh, and I don't have pictures of the install, but I've finally upgraded my speakers. Before, all were "durabrand" speakers - the cheapest thing at Walmart. Now I've got Pioneer 2-way 6.5" in the front and Sony 4-way 6x9" in the rear. They were reasonably priced, and they sound tons better than the old speakers!

[Civic Accord Honda]

looks great! how much was the trim peaces? and yes i know how u feel about durabrand speakers lawl i has them in my acura

[redaztec]

Thanks! :)

It was about $400 shipped from Majestic Honda (hondaautomotiveparts.com) for the trim and wheel caps... kinda hurt to pay that, but I'm planning on keeping this car for a good while and I want it to look reasonably nice.

[codyJDM]

Looks very nice, it's so clean! :D

[Civic Accord Honda]

Thanks! :)

It was about $400 shipped from Majestic Honda (hondaautomotiveparts.com) for the trim and wheel caps... kinda hurt to pay that, but I'm planning on keeping this car for a good while and I want it to look reasonably nice.
$400 O_O i painted my hub caps and trim and it looked almost new again lol+

[codyJDM]

Thanks! :)

It was about $400 shipped from Majestic Honda (hondaautomotiveparts.com) for the trim and wheel caps... kinda hurt to pay that, but I'm planning on keeping this car for a good while and I want it to look reasonably nice.

Dedication ftw!

[redaztec]

Yep, I suppose I'm dedicated to fixing this car... or obsessed, or addicted!

On that note, today I put in the new cruise control unit, which was the last major thing that was broken! That's not to say that I'm done fixing things, far from it, but all of the major systems in the car work now!

[russiankid]

I bet masking everything off was a bitch? Haha I remember when I did my car, I think I went a little overboard.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e58/russian03rustler/car%20repair/S6301190.jpg

[redaztec]

Wow, that's intense - the only masking I did was a bit of tape, like what's in the photos. Since the dye wasn't of the spray-on variety it worked nicely. It came with a sponge applicator which is what I used. Did you use spray-on paint?

[russiankid]

Wow, that's intense - the only masking I did was a bit of tape, like what's in the photos. Since the dye wasn't of the spray-on variety it worked nicely. It came with a sponge applicator which is what I used. Did you use spray-on paint?

Yes I did use spray-on.

[redaztec]

Finally got around to replacing my old muffler with another OEM-style muffler. The car is much quieter now!

Here's why:
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/6697/rustymufflerdl8.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rustymufflerdl8.jpg)http://img82.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Also replaced my cruise control switch with one that can actually turn off, plus the light indicating whether cruise is on or not actually works.

[Civic Accord Honda]

haha thats how my 3gees muffler was when i got it

[redaztec]

225K miles. When I bought the car, I wasn't sure it would ever really work again, let alone actually be used as my daily driver and make it to 225K miles. It's been abused, fixed by mechanics far worse than my inexperienced self, and unmaintained. It's the highest mileage car anyone in my family has ever owned. Yet it still runs.

However, those miles have taken their toll. In addition to the ball joint/bushing problems I've mentioned elsewhere, it now needs work on the brake system and transmission. The engine needs to rebuilt, and even the tires need replacing. Countless other bushings, boots, seals, etc are worn out as well.

So, the 3G's off the road, once again leaving daily driver duties to my RSX. But I love that car too much to junk it or sell it or let it sit and rot. It will be back, eventually! Already, boxes of parts are beginning to accumulate in preparation for its resurrection, though many more boxes will have to come before it's back.

Edit: I also want to say that this car has definitely served the purpose for which I bought it - gaining experience repairing cars! Some of the above problems (particularly the suspension stuff) I would have caught and fixed ages ago, except it took me that long to figure out what problems I was looking for and how to fix them. You have all helped me learn about this car (though I post little, I read a lot), and for that I'm very thankful, especially since I don't personally know anyone with much more experience than I have.

[A18A]

yay for ficxing it back up and not junking it :D and holy hell russiankid thats alot of masking hahaha

[Civic Accord Honda]

good boy.

[redaztec]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/235/garagevu1.th.jpg (http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=garagevu1.jpg)

Hooray, I finally have a garage! Yes, it is small, but it beats no garage!

:cheers:

[Civic Accord Honda]

WOOOOOT!!!
,same size as my garage except i got tons of boxs in mine so its like pull in untill you hit the boxs then climb out window then put blanket on back bumper then shove on the garage door untill it shuts :lol:

[redaztec]

Polished the 3G with Nu Finish last weekend, likely for the first time ever in it's life. It looks a lot better, though I think it still needs more polishing.

I have also received all the new suspension bushings and ball joints, plus new KYB GR-2 shocks (will be using stock springs). I've been traveling constantly, so I can't imagine when I'm actually going to get them installed, but at least I'll have the parts ready.

All these rental cars really make me miss the 3G...

[redaztec]

oops, double post

['A20A3']

your dedication and complete disregard for the amount of money you spend on your accord reminds me of myself. hahaha. keep up the kickass work man. and always feel free to ask questions. car looks awesome. :cool:

[redaztec]

Finally, new suspension (all ball joints, bushings, and shocks) is in, plus new steering rack (old one leaked badly), new tie rods and ends, new axles, new tires, and new brake lines are installed! It feels like a different car, which is a very, very good thing.

['A20A3']

let the restoration continue!! :thumbup:

[Civic Accord Honda]

Nice work !

[87roach]

Wow man, you went all out! Damn very nice, any progress pics on that?

[redaztec]

Thanks for the compliments! Sadly I can't find my real camera so all I have are cell phone pics, but I suppose they'll do for now...

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6399/030609161803.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030609161803.jpg)

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4406/030609161802.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030609161802.jpg)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3272/030609161801.th.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030609161801.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4908/030609161800.th.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030609161800.jpg)

It's amazing how stiff the new shocks are, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The old ones were probably original.

Sadly, it's looking like I need a new steering pump too. Oh well, after fixing all that other stuff I'll hardly notice the cost.

Either way, it's great to have it back on the road and safe!

[redaztec]

Happy 20th birthday to the 3G! While I don't know the precise day on which it was manufactured, it was sometime in April of 1989.

[redaztec]

Beginning serious work today! The car's had some pretty noticeable valve clatter for quite a while now (yes, I did adjust and triple-check the rocker clearance properly), but recently it's gotten a whole lot worse. The previous owner was pretty rough on it and I wouldn't be surprised if he broke the timing belt and bent a valve or a few.

So, my good friend (who used to drive an 87 LX-i hatch) and I removed the head.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6641/060509141800.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=060509141800.jpg)

The pistons were really nasty looking - tons of black sludge on them. Did I mention my valve stem seals are bad? Cylinder walls looked pretty good though.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1309/060509131700.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=060509131700.jpg)

Pistons cleaned up pretty nicely, but it took a lot of work. 1 and 4 cleaned up better than 2 and 3 for some reason.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1231/060509141400.th.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/my.php?image=060509141400.jpg)

More work coming soon. Definitely time for new motor mounts. While I've got everything open I may drop the transmission and put in a new clutch. Heck, if I do that, maybe I should go all the way and pull the bottom end and rebuild that as well. We'll see, I guess there's no hurry, as the Jeep is running great now, so I can use that to get to work until the 3G is back on the road.

[Civic Accord Honda]

Awesome!! fresh rebuild ftw ;)

[redaztec]

Finally got the head off to the shop yesterday!

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/473/1003139c.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1003139c.jpg)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/811/1003138c.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1003138c.jpg)

Looks pretty nasty. Not sure what's up with those valves.

[Civic Accord Honda]

head looks normal to me.. how many miles?

[redaztec]

225K - most of it doesn't look too bad, but the intake valves on 1 and 3 (especially 1) look kind of strange to me. Maybe it's just me... =)

[Civic Accord Honda]

oh wow not bad at all for 225k ... my 3gees was ALOT dirtyer with 170k.... valves look fine to me just looks like they got carbon on them and should clean up good :)

[redaztec]

Now that I've finally finished moving, I'm back to work on getting this beast running again!

I had the head cleaned up and valves and seats re-ground. The crank has also been polished, the block re-honed, and new rings and bearings fitted. Now it's time to bolt the motor back together:

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/6901/1003157.th.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/1003157.jpg/)

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2317/1003158g.th.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/1003158g.jpg/)

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/5600/1003160.th.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/1003160.jpg/)

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/647/1003162gf.th.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/1003162gf.jpg/)

Unfortunately the shop, which did an excellent job cleaning up the head, didn't clean the old paint off the block as I figured they would. That'll teach me to assume. I'll clean it up now that I can easily prevent any paint debris from entering the cylinders.

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/1773/1003166.th.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/1003166.jpg/)

The valve cover didn't look that dirty in the dim garage lighting - definitely going to have to clean that up too.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/5639/1003167q.th.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/1003167q.jpg/)

Not a ton of progress, but it's a start!

Edit: Interesting thing I found out when I pulled the block and started cleaning the grime off it - this wasn't the original motor. Also the transmission (which has also now been rebuilt) appears to have been a junkyard swap. I wonder what happened to the original engine and trans...

[redaztec]

It's alive!

I'll post the build pics in a bit, but for now, a video. It was the second attempt to start it - first attempt the fuel pump didn't come on because I had forgotten to attach the injector ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkmven4uuRA

[Civic Accord Honda]

Congrats man!

[ShyBoyCA6]

Nice man

[redaztec]

Thanks guys! It was a long time coming; I ended up moving mid-project which slowed me down considerably.

I just got back from driving it, and man did that feel good. It felt a lot faster than I remembered. I wonder if it's working that much better, or if I'm just used to the slushbox in my XJ (yes, swapping that for a 5spd is one of the upcoming projects once the 3G is completely roadworthy).

[MessyHonda]

nice stuff...dont go too hard on that engine till its broken in

[Civic Accord Honda]

i just got to watch it again this time with sound and she sounds great! i cant wait until i rebuild a engine and get to hear her start up for the first time!

[redaztec]

Messy: Will do - I did run it a bit hard at first to get the rings seated right as several people have recommended (of course it was warmed up and had coolant bled and all that) but I won't be beating on it too much... =)

CAH: Thanks for the compliments on the sound too. I gotta say, I was quite pleased with that myself. Compared to the clattering and knocking of the engine pre-rebuild, it's quite a breath of fresh air.

So, onward to the pics!

The intake manifold was filled with this nasty oily scum. I really don't know how it got there.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9496/1003145m.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/1003145m.jpg/)

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/610/1003146j.th.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/i/1003146j.jpg/)

Some carburetor cleaner and wire brushes took care of that nicely. I did clean the larger part of the intake as well, though for some reason I didn't take pics of that.

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6715/1003149b.th.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/1003149b.jpg/)

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5043/1003151h.th.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/1003151h.jpg/)

Once I was done cleaning a buddy of mine helped me get the engine on my Harbor Freight special engine stand, and get the timing belt, tensioner, and alternator bolted on.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7756/1003171.th.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/i/1003171.jpg/)

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2981/1003175m.th.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/i/1003175m.jpg/)

A few days later, we finally got the clutch installed, bolted on the trans, and dropped it all into the car!

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9787/1003188q.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/1003188q.jpg/)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9822/1003189lv.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/1003189lv.jpg/)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4545/1003192l.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/1003192l.jpg/)

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/8039/1003210.th.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/1003210.jpg/)

[redaztec]

At this point I figured having access to service manuals, parts diagrams, and of course 3Geez would be nice to have while working on the car, so I took some time and set up an old computer in the garage. I did have to get a new monitor. It's already been really useful.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3115/1003214s.th.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/1003214s.jpg/)

Axels in:

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/992/1003218.th.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/1003218.jpg/)

Distributor and thermostat housing:

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6656/1003223x.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/1003223x.jpg/)

Re-wrapped the engine harness because the 20+ year old electrical tape was rapidly decaying.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1748/1003228.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/1003228.jpg/)

Got the intake in as well as all the tiny coolant hoses.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6035/1003235.th.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/1003235.jpg/)

And all the rest of the vacuum hoses, intake piping, and everything!

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9809/1003242o.th.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/1003242o.jpg/)

[87roach]

Clean! This is a great install your doing red! Things are going together well for you, make sure to keep a close eye on everything.

[MessyHonda]

this thread reminds me of the pico speed shop...cuz he also did a rebuild in his garage...same color car and has computer so he could be on 3geez

[Civic Accord Honda]

the reason the intake manifold was full of old oil was due to your old rings causing blow by and leaking valve seals , My accords is pretty nasty as well!

Computer in garage FTW!!

[redaztec]

I kept meaning to post an update this week, but I got distracted...

Anyway the car is running great! I finally drove it to work on Tuesday. On the drive to work, the engine started bucking, the CEL came on, and I smelled some gasoline. When I pulled over, the ECU was flashing code 2 (O2 sensor error). I'd been wondering if I'd plugged the O2 sensors into the right plugs, since the aftermarket ones in the car don't have the color code like OEM. So, I switched them and everything's been fine since! I've now put about 150 miles on the rebuild.

At this point, it's almost done (if a project can ever be almost done). I still need to fix the cabin heater thermostat, install the A/C, and grease a creaky upper control arm bushing, but at least it's usable now! :D

[redaztec]

Replaced the upper control arm bushings again - the shop I hired to install the suspension (big mistake on my part) installed the bushings wrong, and they already went bad. At least I fixed it right this time.

[redaztec]

I realized I hadn't updated this in ages. Not a lot has changed, but I began noticing the symptoms of a vacuum leak, and found this:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5812/1010843n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/215/1010843n.jpg/)

On cylinders 1 and 4 the intake manifold gasket was torn. I assume somehow I must have done that when I installed it though I don't know how I managed that. It also got a lot worse over the course of a few months which also seems odd. Any input on how that may have happened would be welcome. Anyway I installed a new gasket and it is running better than ever.

Also, the junkyard exhaust I installed a few years back rusted out again, so I've ordered a new one. Will be nice for the noise, but also necessary to pass emissions, which is what really convinced me to get around to fixing it.:stick:

[redaztec]

Once again ages since an update. The 3G is still running great, but the paint has been looking pretty shabby. I recently started learning how to correct paint so I decided to try to clean it up as much as I can. After a thorough claying I've begun the polishing. I'm learning as I go but so far I am pretty happy with how well things are coming back.

[Dr_Snooz]

I have the same problem with those intake gaskets. I think it's simply an inferior design. The gasket is too thin.

[redaztec]

Thanks, that does make sense to me. That gasket was OEM Honda, and it did seem the aftermarket gasket I installed might be a little bit stronger. No problems so far, and it's been on there well over a year.

[redaztec]

More than 13 years since I started the thread, and the car's still running like a champ! Needs AC repair and some minor electrical work, but it's been a great car all these years. Probably deserves another set of tires too.

[Dr_Snooz]

This thread needs more pics.....

[redaztec]

I agree! Let's start...

10228

Yes, those are crap tire-shop wheels. They couldn't get anything factory-size when I urgently needed them some years back.

But of course I kept the factory wheels for the next set of tires...

10229

[redaztec]

One more thing this car needs - new shift bushings. Has anyone modeled those yet in CAD, or is that going to be my job? I imagine that new bushings made of TPU would improve the shift feel immensely.

[Dr_Snooz]

Car's looking pretty tidy. At least the part I can see. I don't have any ideas on the shifter bushings, but keep me posted on what you learn. I could use a set myself.

[ShiRen]

Cheddas has shifter bushings, theyre just a delrin bushing, something you could do yourself with only the old bushings to go off, provided you have access to a lathe. I had to sand the inside of the birdcage bushing replacement to get it to fit. The mounts for the trans and body mounts are the same as any old Civic, I just got some poly energy suspension ones.

[redaztec]

I'll have to check that out. But I haven't got a lathe. I do, on the other hand, have an awfully nice 3D printer and some CAD skills. I had to spend my day working on other cars today, but hopefully I can get back to the 3G soon.

[Oldblueaccord]

https://www.3geez.com/forum/efi-tech/98393-found-those-hard-find-shifter-bushings-oem.html

I made another one but I dont think I ever wrote down the dimensions. It be a good 3d part I think. makes a big difference with the shifter feel and operation.

[ShiRen]

I dont think I would use a plastic that lacks shear strength... delrin is strong and a very good bushing material