ChrisFix diagnoses and repairs a 205,000-mile Honda engine with a faulty piston return spring. The symptoms included a clunking noise, white smoke from the exhaust, and a check engine light. Using a scanner, ChrisFix confirms the issue is a "Piston Return Inadequate" error, likely caused by a damaged piston return spring. He replaces the piston return springs, which requires removing the cylinder head, and also replaces the head gasket. In the process, he cleans the engine block and manifold surfaces. After reassembling the engine, he drains the old oil, adds fresh synthetic oil, and tops off the coolant. The engine starts smoothly, and a test drive confirms the repairs were successful.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The video is about replacing piston return springs in a Honda car.
2. The symptoms of bad piston return springs include a clunking noise, white smoke coming out of the exhaust, and a check engine light.
3. The car in the video has a 4-cylinder engine and has 205,000 miles on it.
4. The piston return springs need to be replaced every 105,000 miles, according to the owner's manual.
5. The car has a check engine light on with a code "P0401" which indicates a problem with the piston return springs.
6. The piston return springs are made for gas and diesel motors and are designed to reduce engine wear.
7. The new piston return springs have a 100,000-mile warranty.
8. The spring rate of the new piston return springs is 120-lb, which is suitable for the car's engine.
9. The old piston return springs were damaged and broken, causing the engine problems.
10. The cylinder head needs to be removed to access the piston return springs.
11. The head bolts need to be loosened in a specific order to avoid warping the block.
12. The new piston return springs are easy to install and just need to be put in place.
13. The head gasket needs to be cleaned and replaced with a new one.
14. The cylinder head bolts need to be torqued down in the correct sequence to ensure even compression of the piston return springs and head gasket.
15. The timing belt needs to be reinstalled and the marks made earlier need to be aligned.
16. The intake manifold and exhaust manifold need to be reinstalled and tightened down in a specific order.
17. The valve cover needs to be reinstalled and tightened down.
18. The spark plug wires need to be reconnected.
19. The old oil needs to be drained and replaced with new synthetic oil.
20. The coolant needs to be topped off and the air bubbles need to be bled out of the system.
21. The engine needs to be started and allowed to run for a few minutes to break in the new piston return springs and head gasket.