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Block and Piston Inspection

  1. Remove the crankshaft and pistons (see CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON REMOVAL  ).
  2. Check the piston for distortion or cracks.
  3. Measure the piston diameter at a point 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the bottom of the skirt. There are two standard-size pistons (No Letter or A, and B). The letter is stamped oh the top of the piston. Letters are also stamped on the engine block as cylinder bore sizes.

    Piston Diameter 

    Standard (New): 

    No Letter (or A): 86.980-86.990 mm (3.4244-3.4248 in.) 

    B: 86.970-86.980 mm (3.4240-3.4244 in.) 

    Service Limit: 

    No Letter (or A): 86.930 mm (3.4224 in.) 

    B: 86.920 mm (3.4220 in.) 

    Oversize Piston Diameter 

    0.25: 87.230-87.240 mm (3.4342-3.4346 in.) 

    Fig 1: Measuring Piston Diameter
    G05448707Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Measure the wear and taper in direction X and Y at three levels in each cylinder as shown. If measurements in any cylinder are beyond the Oversize Bore Service Limit, replace the engine block. If the engine block is to be rebored, refer to step  7 after reboring.

    Cylinder Bore Size 

    Standard (New): 

    A or I: 87.010-87.020 mm (3.4256-3.4260 in.) 

    B or II: 87.000-87.010 mm (3.4252-3.4256 in.) 

    Service Limit: 87.070 mm (3.4279 in.) 

    Oversize 

    0.25: 87.250-87.260 mm (3.4350-3.4354 in.) 

    Reboring Limit: 0.25 mm (0.01 in.) max. 

    Bore Taper 

    Limit: (Difference between first and third measurement) 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) 

    Fig 2: Measuring Wear & Taper In Direction X & Y In Cylinder
    G05448708Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Scored or scratched cylinder bores must be honed.
  6. Check the top of the engine block for warpage. Measure along the edges, and across the center as shown.

    Engine Block Warpage 

    Standard (New): 0.07 mm (0.003 in.) max. 

    Service Limit: 0.10 mm (0.004 in.) 

    Fig 3: Checking Top Of Engine Block For Warpage
    G05448709Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Calculate the difference between the cylinder bore diameter and the piston diameter. If the clearance is near or exceeds the service limit, inspect the piston and cylinder bore for excessive wear.

    Piston-to-Cylinder Bore Clearance 

    Standard (New): 0.020-0.040 mm (0.0008-0.0016 in.) 

    Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) 

    Fig 4: Identifying Piston-To-Cylinder Bore Clearance
    G05448710Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.