My daughters 2004 LX 4 cyl. w/203,000 miles on it died while she was driving. Had it towed to my house and discovered the two dreaded codes mentioned in title of post. It's low on oil but cannot get an accurate reading on sloped driveway. I'd like to just do the chain and tensioner as it's a local and short trip car from here on out. What is the easiest way to tell if there is valve damage? I've done timing belts and water pumps on an '94 Accord & an '01 Odyssey, so the work doesn't bother me. Your advice/opinion is very much appreciated.

 

I try to check the mechanical timing before tearing too far into it. If that is still set then compression test the engine.

Usually the 0341 will show up before it gets too bad that it jumps teeth.

It could be a mistake in the manual I have but it says to investigate the 1009 before the 0341

 

Thank you. I located a flow chart for DTC P1009 and it says to start engine but mine will not run. Is there a chance that it went into fail safe mode? Low oil pressure - stretched timing chain - retarded timing = fail safe? Just an optimistic angle after researching more. Is changing oil and checking/replacing VTC Oil Control Solenoid a worthy easy and fairly cheap place to start......Given the car will not start now?

 

Again, pull the valve cover and then spin the crank to TDC and check the cam chain marks to see if it has jumped.

 

So I finally got back to work on the Accord. With engine at TDC the intake cam was about 170 degrees out, and the chain had slack. I plan to replace the head as well as the timing set. can anyone recommend a complete kit for the timing set? Also, is the vtc actuator a reusable part?

 

I'm still not convinced the head is bad. When you rotate the engine one more revolution is the intake cam only 10° out?

 

Really? Crap! It's about apart now. I can say #1 cylinder had about 45 psi and quite frankly, I did not want to do much more cranking after that. So yes, the timing set is out of the car I will sat upon cranking, the engine sounded like a diesel. From that description a mechanic boyfriend of a friend said it was toast.

 

See attached pics. The pistons have damage from valve contact. Make sure you change your oil and don't ignore the CEL. My daughter has learned the hard way. On to plan B.

 

If you had 45 psi in cyl #1.....it has to come apart. Best chance is just a valve or two are bent. Once off send it to a machine shop or get one that is re-built - I personally like having a local shop check/rebuild option but that is me.

While the head is being worked, get new timing stuff...chain, guides and anything else that looks worn.

 

I will look into the rebuild option with a couple local shops. How much of a concern is the damage to the pistons? I am eyeing a Cloyes complete timing set, as well as Fel-Pro gaskets & head bolts. Thanks for your time.