Saturday, July 27, 2013

Civic Timing Belt Gear Differences

So, with the P0171 (or flash code 54 on the CEL/Check Engine Light method), I suddenly realized the fluctuation sensor (CFK) on the civic needed teeth closer to it, and didn't have them.  I knew I had to tear into the engine, thinking I'd put the timing gear/pulley on backwards, and took it all apart.  When I pulled the gear off, I knew why I was having problems - they weren't even the same.  I called the dealership (who kept telling me "I've never seen one of these fail before" and trying to convince me I didn't need one), and $77 later, I had the part to compare.



Wow, that is much more like it.  The one on the left is what came with the replacement engine.  The one on the right is the one that came from the dealership.

Though the engine block was identical, it was still a Japanese-spec'd engine, meaning it met Japanese specifications - and their computers probably didn't care about the fluctuations on the crank sensor, and (I think) didn't even have the sensor in there.  The one on the right has what looks like a bicycle sprocket on one end, and that is the difference.  Things looked much better with the new gear in place, but I am still unable to test it as I snapped one of the valve cover bolts off in the head trying to get it tightened down so that it wouldn't leak oil like it did before.  We'll see how it works when I can drill it out and tap it for a new one.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Adoption Profile: Active

Hey, my lovely wife and I are working towards adoptions.  A few people may find themselves in awkward, difficult, and very trying decisions about adoption, and we are looking for situations like that that we can be a part of.  It's not an easy thing to do, but it is possible, and we'd like the world to know that we are there for them!  Please keep us in mind if you come across a situation that needs a set of potential adoptive parents!  We'd love to be involved!  Our profile (if you want to know) :

https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/28499924/ourMessage.jsf

Joe