F22B DOHC compression test results

[Accrdwgnguy]

Looking for Honda Technicians and experienced mechanics input here!

All input is appreciated as well.

Just re-ran the compression test on my gf's JDM F22B DOHC, results were not inspiring.

CYL #---Dry---Wet
Cyl#1---120---185
Cyl#2---180---210
Cyl#3---190---210
Cyl#4----90----95

Results measured in PSI.

What am I looking at for engine work? Rings I dont think I need, maybe on cyl 1. Valve seals, or bent valves?

Guy I bought the car from (engine came in a 92 Accord) said that he had the head redone at 40K miles, head was replaced with a F20A DOHC head due to cracking the original. Head is a PT2 casting however, and much cleaner than the block, like brand new inside, so seems to confirm his story. Timing is dead on.

Please tell me its going to something easy like popping the head off and replacing valves.

[GhostAccord]

My first step would be to remove the valve cover and check the valve clearances. Then you can go from there as to removing the head or not. Sometimes a bent valve is noticeable with the valve cover removed. I just tore down an F22A that the valve cap was visibly off center from the rocker arm adjusting screw. Was a bent valve!

[Accrdwgnguy]

My first step would be to remove the valve cover and check the valve clearances. Then you can go from there as to removing the head or not. Sometimes a bent valve is noticeable with the valve cover removed. I just tore down an F22A that the valve cap was visibly off center from the rocker arm adjusting screw. Was a bent valve!

Thank you, I will pull the cover back off and look closer. I just need to find the clearance specs

[GhostAccord]

Lets just say that if it is a valve clearance issue, it will be quite noticeable. There won't be any clearance.....

[Accrdwgnguy]

Well Performed the valve adjustments. Set all the rockers to the loose end of the factory spec.

Intake - .004"
Exhaust - .007"

And improvements were seen! in PSI

CYL #---Dry---Wet
Cyl#1---170---180
Cyl#2---180---210
Cyl#3---180---210
Cyl#4---120---140

No offset rocker arms were noted, all valves and springs stood up straight as they should.

Also of note, Cly#1 has alot of oil and carbon build up, the top of the piston and the intake and exhaust ports are coated with wet oil. May have something to do with the HHO system the guy had incorrectly installed on the engine? He tee'd a line to the fuel return, had it running to the HHO pot, and then fed the output to the crankcase in between the PCV valve and intake? Also was running a PT3 ecu. It was all sorts of fail.

So think its usable at this point? Or not worth installing in this condition? Car is a DD, needs to be reliable.

[GhostAccord]

Honda lists 28-30 psi as the maximum variation between cylinders. 120-180 is a bit much......Considering that it didn't even out with oil added. Just means that it's probably something in the valves.....valve job! Leak down test will tell you more!

[Accrdwgnguy]

Honda lists 28-30 psi as the maximum variation between cylinders. 120-180 is a bit much......Considering that it didn't even out with oil added. Just means that it's probably something in the valves.....valve job! Leak down test will tell you more!

As I originally assumed, but expert confirmation is always welcome before I tear apart what may have been a good running engine. Thanks, going to get a leakdown tester today

[Accrdwgnguy]

Got the head off, and brought it to a local tuning shop this morning.

No visible damage to the valves. Just excessive carbon buildup



Alot of buildup on top of the pistons as well.



The shop is going to lap the valves and seats, and install new seals.

[PR CB7]

#4 pistons ringland is broken

i bought a jdm f22b from a jy, thinking it should have been in better condition that the usdm engines in there

mine's was

1-140psi
2-195psi
3-192psi
4-190psi
i took the pistons out and on #4 a piece of ringland fell taking the piston out

if they replaced the head, because the original one had cracked, it could have been this engine overheated for a long time

[wed3k]

yea if the blocks get cooked they loose tension on the rings and also excessive carbon buildup will clog the oil control holes on the piston and it'll be a smoker even though itll run well.

you need to find out why theres so much carbon buildup on those pistons.

[Accrdwgnguy]

So the rings coul be bad even tho my compression and leakdown tests indicated the valves are the culprit?

Plumbed air into the cylinders for leakdown, all the air leakage was coming out the intake and exhaust ports. No noticeable airflow from the crankcase.

[wed3k]

So the rings coul be bad even tho my compression and leakdown tests indicated the valves are the culprit?

Plumbed air into the cylinders for leakdown, all the air leakage was coming out the intake and exhaust ports. No noticeable airflow from the crankcase.

the oil control holes could still be clogged and have good compression. it would just smoke but i would go with your leakdown results and fix the head.

[Accrdwgnguy]

the oil control holes could still be clogged and have good compression. it would just smoke but i would go with your leakdown results and fix the head.

Fair enough, after some research, and taking into account my GF's limited budget, decided to pull the pistons and rods, hot tank everything, and reassemble with new rings, hopefully the bearings are still good.

[wed3k]

they usually are