Valve train

[desmo4]

Since I had my cylinder head replaced at 38k miles due to the exhaust valves burning through the seats, I check the valves every 4K and invariably find 2 or more tight valves. Less than spec by at least .001. I spoke to a Honda shop and they more or less agreed that the metalurgy is not that great. Those who have stainless headers like Mugens have an advantage in that valve noise is always present and if it changes it's time to investigate.

Honda paid for the cylinder head repair even though it was out of warranty and I advised them (by calling Torrence) that if the same situation occurs at 80k they will get to pay for it again. Right now the car has 50k miles and runs better than when it was new. I'm hoping for a better result and I do love this car. It is the most complete sports car I have ever owned.

Jonathan

[rstark]

What symptoms led you to find out the exhaust valve seats were burning?

[desmo4]

The car's idle became unstable, then it began stalling at idle and the check engine light came on. This was diagnosed as a missfire and it took 2 different shops several tries until a mechanic who called Honda and was given about 20 things to check decided to do a leak up check first. Cylinders 1&2 failed

Jonathan