"96_f22b2" <96_f22b2.20uov6@no-mx.carstalk.net> wrote in message
news:96_f22b2.20uov6@no-mx.carstalk.net...
>
> what up guys.. aite.. i got a problem.. i drive a 96 honda accord lx. 2.2l
> 4 cyl. 176,000 miles (*yes i kno its a old piece of shit*) last night when
> i was getting off the highway.. i noticed my engine was jerking... didnt
> think much of it until i stopped at the red light and the car was idling
> back and forth as if it was going to stall out.. when i got home.. i
> checked my oil .. VERY LOW..... changed it same problem.. checked the
> spark plugs n noticed.. there was oil in the 3rd and 4th spark plug hole..
> i decided it was a leak in the vavle cover.... now this can range from..
> jus a faulty gasket.. to jus a simple tune up.. i later got info that it
> could be my piston rings.. how do i determine which it is ....? n how much
> would it cost to fix if it is my pistion rings
>
A '96 with 176K isn't really that old. With proper maintenance (not too late
to start!) it can provide many more years of reliable transportation.

Piston rings would be my last thought with what you describe. My first
thought is for the age of the timing belt. I don't think that is the cause
of your trouble, although it could be... and if it is, it is vital you not
start the engine again until you replace the belt. Here's the deal on that:
determine when the belt was last changed, and guesses or assumptions don't
count. It should have been changed around the 100K mile mark (consult your
owner's manual, hoping you have one). If you are on the original belt, or if
you *might* be, you are flirting with serious engine damage from the belt
failing. Let us know about this, because there isn't much point looking at
anything else until that's settled.

Otherwise, if the timing belt is not overdue for change, you are probably
looking at just catching up on routine maintenance and other minor stuff.
(Glad you got oil in it!)

Mike