RT

Purple_sky

Thanks, guys, for all the support and answers. I will wait for Honda's final finding.

Yes, I know that I do whine about paying $1300 additionally, but I'm very disappointed with the fact that when I put out $30K for a Honda, I didn't expect its engine to have to be replaced less than two years later. If it's concluded later on that it's the dealer's mistake (loose plug issue), I'd like to be reimbursed for at least that amount. That's only fair! I've wasted so much time, energy, worries, and a month without the car.

Thanks again!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RED MX5

Purple_sky

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
I think RT was right on from the beginning.
It appears from the number on that plug that it is the new "recall" plug "S" on the end.

RACER

The recommended torque is 18 ft lbs. Xviper and myself would recommend 20-21 ft lbs of torque. I just checked mine yesterday. I have 6,500 miles on my S and when I checked the plugs, they were all within 21-22 ft lbs. I removed all the plugs, inspected them, applied a very tiny amount of anti-seize and re-torqued to 250 in lbs (20.83 ft lbs of torque)

In case your wondering why 20.83, my small torque wrench goes to 250 in lbs. I also felt comfortable torqueing to just under 21 ft lbs. Denso recommends 20-24 ft lbs for a 18-19 dia thread with an aluminum head.

I know they are not going to loosen and back out, and I know that the threads on the head won't be damaged due to overtightening the plug.

Removing and replacing the plugs on this or any aluminum head is serious business as consequenses and repercussions can occur if done incorrectly.

Purple_sky

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RACER
The recommended torque is 18 ft lbs.

RT

yes

Purple_sky

Finally got my car back today, after a whole month in the shop. When I heard the clanking sound, never had I thought it would be that seriously damaged and taken a whole month to fix. I thought it could've been fixed in minutes because of some loose thing, but the whole engine was ruined.

To be honest, although it has a new engine (basically), I'm not very confident with the car anymore. I've lost my confidence in it completely. What if it broke again in a year or so? I love driving this car so much, but I have no confidence in it anymore. I missed driving it for a whole month, and today, I was so happy to drive it again. The car is nothing short of a total blast! However, I've completely lost confidence in driving it enthusiastically. I'm afraid it'll break so suddenly again.

As for the cause, I'm still waiting for Honda to determine. Until then, one of the possibilities is a loose spark plug.

I can't wait to drive top-down tomorrow. What a fun car! But what a car that broke down so quickly and suddenly (though no cause is determined yet).

RACER

Did Honda replace the block or did they fix the old one?

Purple_sky

Replaced, but I had to pay $1000. I don't think the old one was worth fixing.

RACER

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Purple_sky
I love driving this car so much, but I have no confidence in it anymore.