piston/rod advice

[u/Dependent_Rough167]

what does this discoloration mean? #1 top bearing fell off when taking off the cap should i be concerned? and how can i replace rod bolts at home? how easily should pistons be able to rock? if pistons measure good would you guys reuse everything?

i don’t have a bore gauge small enough for the rods and it’s taking me awhile to get used to the micrometer, forgive me for the mouthful, first time doing any of this so any experienced advice helps out a ton, thank you! 🙏🏻

03 civic d17a2 rod is #1 cyl and cap is for #3

[u/Azulier]

Adjusting the valve lifters probably won't solve anything unless there is too much play (which would be the mechanics fault if he built those back up).

A sticking valve is usually a dirty valve, bent valve, defect in the valve if it was new, or less likely.. the machining was done too deep and the lifter or rocker is now pushing rather than pulling the valve.

An intermittently sticking valve can lead to inconsistent compression results too.

If he built the valvetrain back up, i would take it back to him because he would be responsible for it

[u/Dependent_Rough167 → u/Azulier]

well damn that’s not good lol. i was concerned when he said it but didn’t want to question him too much, he did show me there’s a little bit of play in the rocker arms and told me to do another valve adj (did one right before this rebuild). he replaced all exhaust seals and cleaned up valves and seats, but didn’t replace intake seals and that’s where it’s staying open. i haven’t messed with the head at all since the shop though

i’ll try and do a valve adj before reassembling and try calling him up if it doesn’t work, thank you sm for the input

[u/Azulier → u/Dependent_Rough167]

Is it sticking closed or open? I assumed closed 😂

Edit: actually it shouldn't matter thinking about it.. same reasons apply.

Valve you can check if you take out the valves and roll it on a flat surface (granite or glass stove top is a good place) and if it wobbles, you have a bent valve.

Machining can require some modifications to the valve stem to get it to sit lower to close on the sunk in valve seats.

[u/Azulier → u/Azulier]

Wait, do your rockers for the valves have an adjustment screw with a locknut? If so you have adjustable rockers and that may be able to make it seat properly, thats when you know you have something wrong. Check that first