I have an RDX 2013 with 100K miles on it always regularly serviced by Acura.
A few days ago all the warning lights on the dashboard came on and the engine was a little rough.
Towed it to the Acura dealer. (Charlotte NC).
They tell me the plugs are fouled up with oil. Short term fix is new plugs, but they recommend top half engine rebuild including piston and rings at a cots of at least $6,500.00

I am surprised that it would need such a large rebuild at 100K miles.
Anyone experienced something similar? Do I really need a full to half rebuild? Is Acura dealer the best place for such work?
All thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
Ian

 

Fouled up with oil, or deposits from burning oil?
Investing $6500 in an engine that costs $1000 on the junkyard is extremely inappropriate.
Did they explain to you what went wrong?
I assume that due to poor maintenance, the oil rings are clogged, and in the cylinder deactivation mode, the engine puts oil into the combustion chamber. You can solve the problem with a VCM Muzzler, or use serious chemistry to decarbonize the rings. Usually everyone uses cheap way VCM Muzzler and forgets about the problem.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I will be siting down with Acura Dealership today to ask a load of questions.
My car has had ALL maintenance carried out on time at this dealership.
I will be investigating the VCM
I have been quote under $5K for a newly remanufactured engine already but then I have to remove and reinstall.
I do not understand how the dealer can fully describe that the internals of the engine are damaged. I think this is pure conjecture at this moment and leads me to distrust them

 

I guess my big question right now is:
How quickly will a failing VCM pump enough oil into the cylinder to start burning holes in the piston/rings and scour the cylinder itself. Or does it more quickly foul up the plugs?

I saw NO overheating and NO other than normal oil usage before this happened and I flat bedded the car within a few miles. So wondering what the odds are of the engine coming out reasonably unscathed so I can try a VCM solution.

 

I suggest getting a second opinion from an independent shop.

 

+1.

 

I am flat bedding the car to an Indie shop right now.

Acura Dealership said their advice was based upon condition of some of the fouled spark plugs. They admit it is just possible the cylinders/pistons etc. may be ok...
I asked them why they don't advise their customers to take preventative action costing say $100 as soon as the car is out of warranty They said they cannot because of their contract with Acura. i.e. Non Acura recommended action.
So as soon as a car is out of warranty folks go Indie...

 

Oil consumption does not lead to detonation, so the piston cannot burn out, nor can the cylinder. The consumption of oil through the VCM leads only to clog the spark plugs, and, well, to a decrease in the oil level. After such incompetent diagnostics and recommendations, I advise you to just drive and monitor the oil level.
You also cannot be sure of the competence of another shap on this issue.

 

Your 2013 model , amy have been one of the models that were delivered to customers with ,,Low Tension Piston Rings. There was a class action suit placed against Honda for this problem. Getting them to take care of the problem now ,,who knows.
My Son had the same problem with his 2013 MDX. He has to add about 1 qt between each oil change. His engine does not have the switching out from 6 cylinders to the 3 or four like later ones do.
If it were my car, with new plugs of course, I would drive it and check the oil frequently and if you have the engine that switches back and forth from the cylinders , add the vcm muzzler . I have one on my 2015 model and they work great.
Below is a posting that you might take some time4 and read , and there is a part at the first that mentions the low tension rings that you can click on and check out. Hope it helps

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-...-plugs-989287/

 

Thanks for this update and info.
I am taking the car to an Indie who will fit the VCM mussler and then I will monitor it.

 

Thank you Poolman I appreciate this info and the link.

 

1 qt between each oil change, it's probably not a problem with the rings, but burrs on the cylinder. The alusil coating has such a problem and it expresses just such a small oil consumption.

 

Here is a good video about VCM.

 

Excellent explanation about the physical process. Thanks for finding this!


RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen
--
It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser.