Honda Car Forum

My friend just replaced the head on his 1998 non-SH prelude two months ago and now his block is going out. Apparently the engine is acting like it is practically out of oil even though it has the recommended amount. The engine is knocking but it is still drivable. The guy at the shop said he needs a new short block and thats it. The shop is a trustworthy place and we've both used them before. He doesn't have the money to fix it and he's willing to sell it to me for 2K.I'm decent with cars and I have all the tools (engine hoist and everything) to replace it myself, but.....Do you think that this particular problem could have caused the head or any other part to get damaged? I can afford to buy a new/rebuilt shortblock but I'd only make the deal if thats the only thing wrong with it. HELP!!Kelley Blue Book Price is $7,500.

Dude don't be a fool...don't buy it until it is fixed. To be honest, with that kind of repair I would run from this sale.....FAST!

He might have torqued the head too tight and warped it....or put on the wrong head gasket...if it's a nice looking car and is in good condition otherwise I'd go ahead and buy it...(I'm not a Honda tech, but my Dad trained me to be a mechanic and I've owned Hondas/Acuras for over 20 yrs...I drive an RSX-S at the moment...)

you have to ask yourself. is it worth all the money, work, and time? if your first reaction is no then don't do it. especially if you think you are helping the guy out by taking it off his hands. good luck in making the right decision for YOURSELF!!!

You never said why he replaced the head in the first place. That is a contributing factor in the decision process. As long as the oil pump was working fine the head should be fine. The lower end might just be worn out. For the price i would buy it.

the replaced block sounds scratched, or the oil pump is out! If it is ticking, you have just bad lifters. Take the valve cover off and try to move the valves, they may be bent.possibilities...oil pumpblockbent valvesbad timing set (check RPM level at warm idle, if it is too low, and not regulated, your timing is off.)timing belt needs changeYour should had the block ported, polished, and the pistons replaced with new rings, rods, and bushings.Check thses symptoms.Hope this helps!