CRV Engine Light - Started Blinking (81,000 Miles)

" snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@y5g2000hsf.googlegroups.com:

You had a DTC P0301...

You had DTCs P0301, 302, 303 and 304 all at the same time?

You sure that's it? Was the TSB number 03-038?

Are you sure they didn't in fact replace the head under a goodwill warranty?

TSB 03-038 has to do with exhaust valves receding into the head. If you had the issue listed in 03-038, your problem will eventually come back.

Thanks Tegger. The original code was P0301. The codes listed at the Dealership that did the repair was P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304.

Does this sound correct? It looks like they replaced the gasket head cover, but there is no indication the head was replaced, nor did they mention that.

" snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com" wrote in news:5101ccb1- snipped-for-privacy@e10g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

According to TSB 03-038, the problem is due to one or more exhaust valves receding (sinking) into their respective seats. Valve recession is usually the effect of valve seats that are insufficiently hardened, which is a quality defect.

If the valves recede, the valve/lifter clearance closes up, which eventually results in misfires and burnt valves. Evidently the dealer determined your valves were not burnt, so they simply readjusted them to account for the recession.

The danger here is that if your valves receded so as to cause the trouble in the first place, then they may recede more over time, and the problem may recur. And eventually you'll run out of adjustment in the adjustment mechanism and need to replace the entire head ($$$!).

The dealer may have done this quickie fix because you're well out of the official warranty and they don't see any chance of being able to claim any kind of reimbursement from Honda for a proper repair. And maybe they've had success simply adjusting the valves in other cars with this problem. Maybe the valve seats work-harden to the point where recession lessens over time.

If I were you, I'd have the valves checked every year, and ask the tech to note the initial clearances before he adjusts them. This way you can have a running record and can note any changes over time. Normal valves don't change more than a thou or two over many years, so a defective seat will be very obvious.

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Your dealer is:

A - Trying to spare you a bunch of info he doesn't think you'll understand. B - Unaware of the reality of the Gen 1 CR-V engine.

C - Likely both of the above.

Read this and resign yourself to finding an independent mechanic who will give you good (loose) valve adjustments every 30,000 Miles, for a reasonable price. Take him a bottle of Dual Pump Fluid at the same time, or learn to change it yourself.

To both Curly and Tegger, I thank you very much for the advice. I will note it and make sure to have this work done. It is folks like you that make this type of site and chat board helpful and useful for everyone. I am glad I posted this.