Lately I have been having issues with my Fit, slight hesitation during startup, fuel economy going down slowly and a general lack of the Fit energetic nature. I've checked for PCM updates and reset it but the condition persisted. I pulled the plugs by feel and found then all fouled a brown/orange color. As a precaution before I replaced the plugs I ran a compression test and leakdown test. 220, 218, 214 and 188. 188. Added oil to the cylinder and the number went up to 225 which means rings. I'm pulling the head now to see if the bores have sustained damage.... rings or a block, fortunately under warranty.

Quality, it's not what it used to be.

b

 

Just out of curiosity, how many miles on your GE? Unless you do weekly cross-country trips, I doubt you've put on enough miles to justify the rings failing. That's definitely not the Honda quality that I'm used to.

 

24,665 miles.

 

Hmm, yeah that's not good. Let's just hope you got the one bad one.

 

Got the head off today, things look very clean but the exhaust valves are rusty orange-colored like the plugs were. Nobody in my shop has seen valves this color, I'll try to get a couple pics to post tomorrow. The pistons come out tomorrow, rings and bearings will go in on Monday and back together.

What is the consensus on optimal driving for a break in? I've driven cars hard from new, they don't break in and feel "sharp". I'd like to keep this car forever and want the motor to feel good for a long time.

 

how much did gas mileage fall off?

 

Did some one put a octane booster in? Orange color is MMT. Interpreting your spark plugs

Break in varied rpms for 600 miles. Honda motors are already broke in, plateau honed and ion piston rings. Plateau Cylinder Bore Finishes

 

I don't use octane boosters or additives of any type. I actually am a big promoter of the top tier fuel providers. I do use Sheetz fuel from time to time, I'm not sure if they use MMT. I AM the second owner of the car...

 

It sounded like a MMT and then I reread the first post and the leak down test made me think of a blown head gasket. Either way it should not have happened.


What is Sheetz fuel. Is that cheap fuel? Honda motors like higher octane, but can run OK on regular.

 

Down to about 24 from around 31. Sheetz is a gas station chain I've used in other markets, just moved into my area.