what happened is that the bearing in the connecting rod got out of the oil and started grinding on itself as the engine spun, wearing the bearing out. then as you drove, it continued to wear, even with oil in it, the extra clearance allowed it to grind instead of sliding smoothly. then as it disintegrated the bearing, it got into the journal (place where the con-rod rides on the crankshaft) and wore out that, as well as the con-rod itself. now you have a few options. when this happened to me with my original motor (nearly the exact same thing, except mine took about a day and a half) i borrowed the extra money i needed, and swapped in a B16. it wont cost you too much more than 1000 pounds, maybe 1500-2000. but if you consider that if you spend the 1000, you will drive away with basically the same car you had a few days ago, and if you swap the motor, you will trade up to one with more performance potential, and almost 60% more horsepower stock.


and for what its worth, you happen to have a decent mechanic there, a bit expensive, but honest otherwise. it is indeed time for a new motor.

 

higher octane fuel burns hotter, it MIGHT fix the problem, but it may not. Sacs is definetly right about the motor, itll cost you a lot to fix it, and then something else might break. If u do a swap, itll cost a little more, but your car will have 35K or less on a much much more powerful motor. If it were me, id run some super thru it, see if it fixes it. If it breaks......good ill get a b16

 

Hi guys, Thanks for the advice so far, its been a real help

I have an engine which I can buy, listed here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/honda-civic-1-...QQcmdZViewItem

The item has ended but he said he will sell it to me for £200 ($350). I've asked him to relist it for me when I'm ready to buy so I can take advantage of the buyer protection.

I'm just wondering what you all think, I know its only a 1.5 but its a nice price to get me back on the road. Is there anything important I should be asking him?

This is what he said to me:
"engine still in car, will fit yours. not sure on delivery. 200 the lot inc wires, engine, gearbox, ecu, loom, starter, alternater etc etc"

Does anyone know if I need anything else? He says he is replacing his engine with a prelude one, so I'm guessing I can have everything I need to put his engine into my car, but I'd like to be sure... so if there is anything that any of you think is missing, or that I might need, I would be very grateful if you could tell me

Thanks.

 

$350 for an engine is cheap... but how worn is it?

 

This is what it says on the auction:

"ITS A 1.5 16VALVE ENGINE WHICH RUNS PERFECTLY. I HAVE REASONTLY HAD THE CLUTCH CHANGED ALSO.
SELLING AS IM UPGRADING TO A PRELUDE ENGINE.
THE ENGINE ITSELF USES NO OIL OR WATER, HAS NO KNOCKS OR RATTLES AND HAS ONLY COVERED 8OK."

It doesn't sound bad, whether it is or not I don't know. When he does the auction I will get him to put the same information, hopefully I will have some kind of protection if it turns out to be rubbish. Hmm. I suppose it can't be any worse than mine :/

Ahhh I Dunno, I probably will buy it, I havent got much other choice really.