I was ready to do the timing belt and waterpump tomorrow.
Then I found out today that this engine burned about 2 quarts of oil in 800 miles. It was way low. I topped it off and drove to and from work. appx 2 quarts.
Oil is black and smells of gas. Great. No visible leakage in parking area.

I figure the rings on one or all are leaking.

Engine runs solid and seems happy enough.

I haven't done a compression test...yet.

Any guesses how long can this engine run?
Do I do the timing belt and run it or send the parts back less 25%, then run it to death?

I've had the car just over a month and have 1500 + 200 in parts into it.

 

Hmm...I'd say do the compression test and then go from there. However, since it is an 1989 I would consider just running it into the ground. (or until the belt snaps)

 

That's what I'd like to do.
But...I have all the belts ready to install.
And, I don't have a compression tester.

 

Some autoparts stores will let you rent a compression tester. If not, they only cost around $30.

 

notice any blueish smoke from the exhaust? if so, i'd look towards the gasket.

 

Go visit Reid Lunde at Kaizenspeed. He's a Honda/Acura guru...specializing in custom manifolds, engine swaps and turbo installs. He'll tell you what's wrong with your Integra...probably for nothing.

He just opened in a new location...coming from the direction of the blue bridge on Columbia Drive, you'd turn left immediately after Overturf VW...go down towards the river for two blocks...it's on the right.

He's really, really good. And no, I don't work for him...LOL.

Good luck!

Mike
(Pasco, WA)

 

Hey Mike, Thanks for the tip.
If I get this car to run right again and care about it, we'll see. I don't think the engine has more 10k left in it if I had to guess.

My instinct is to ditch it and try to recoup as much as possible.

BTW, the timing belt job was the prescribed pain. I buggered the alignment of the gears. It runs but isn't right yet.