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Valves' condition at 128k miles, with oil catch can, VTC rattle fix
I opened up the top end to replace the VTC actuator spring. I acquired this 2016 at 28k miles. I put in an oil catch can at 30k miles. Here is the condition of the valves. Not as crusted as I thought they would be but still more crusted than my ported injected 07 Accord V6.
No, I do not have a walnut blaster so I did not clean the valves.
I actually didn't get to clean the valves because I had to close it up to get it ready for the wife the next day. Since I spent so much time cleaning oil pouring out of the intake manifold. Some of that crust comes from oil that's getting past the clogged rings which I've reduced quite a bit by using Valvoline restore & protect. I am just glad that I replaced the VTC actuator the spring and the rattle is fixed.
The intake manifold was filled with at least 1/2 quart of oil, maybe from EGR return and oil passing through the low tension rings. It was enough that when I shook the intake manifold, you could hear it sloshing inside. I had to turn it around in all directions for the oil to pour out. It went all over and I had to dump it onto a cardboard. This is pretty normal according to all the youtube videos I've come across for 3rd gen Fit. When Honda did my fuel injectors 2 years ago, I believe they did not do this and poured oil all over the insulation foam covering the fuel injectors.
VTC had been rattling for a good 30k+ miles, it started around 100k miles. You should fix it and not just let it go because it will eventually stretch the chain enough requiring chain replacement. I did not see anything wrong but then again I did not remove the tensioner inspection cover to see if the tensioner is very extended. I had only limited time to get this done before returning the car to service for the wife. I can confirm that VTC does not rattle anymore after the fix, it has not done it even once after the repair.
I am just surprised that I hardly see any posts here about VTC rattle and how to fix it. Here is the spring kit I used, and I used the higher tension longer spring: https://spring-start.com/shop/ols/pr...pre-order-sale . I used this youtube video:
Big thanks for sharing our experience. I have not had the intake off yet and I am curious about two things...
1. Did your catch can use any media inside of it? I ask because I have experienced such big differences with and without.
2. do you think intake manifold has a low point? A place that may be worth drilling and tapping for a drain plug or drain cock? Some days I ponder the idea of seeing how long I can make this car last... Maybe it would not be worth it.
I have 2 stainless steel wool balls inside the catch can and it actually catches quite a bit.
No, you aren't suppose to "drill a hole" in the intake manifold, it causes a vacuum leak! The oil actually resides in the upper chamber of the intake manifold where it says Earthdreams
Last Saturday, Reopened the intake manifold + valve cover last week and cleaned the top of the valves using a combination of brake clean and CRC intake valve cleaner. Took me longer than expected due to the wait time soaking the valves. I do not want to spend the money on a walnut blaster so it's all mechanical cleaning using picks scraping and shop towels wiping. It is not perfect but good enough in my opinion. I was not able to get any good pictures however. While I was doing this, I borescoped through the spark plug holes and checked the pistons, all looking quite good. I don't expect to do this again in many years.
