Auto Mechanics, does this sound right?

[dewandgin]

remember winter fuels cause a 10-15 percent drop as well.

I measure mpg on every tank and I've never seen a drop in the winter.

That is completely abnormal FWIW.

Yes it is and if you have a good relationship with this shop. Ask them to recheck the valves sounds like they got them to tight.

[Alchase]

Honda recommends 108k on valve adjustments, everyone in the Honda forums thinks that is suicide!
They recommend 70k, and every 30 k after that.
To many Honda heads done because the valves have not been adjusted.
I would take it back to the guy who did the work and have him make it right.

[timberghost72]

Keep in mind that even though the mechanic gave you a line of BS, the valve adjustment may not be the problem. Something as simple as a vaccum line not put back on or something else not hooked up correctly could also cause your issue. I'd go get a second opinion from a good shop and have them check the valve adjustment just for piece of mind and eliminating that possiblility. Also have them check over the previous workmanship.

[Band]

Was that the only thing done at the shop? Any other recent repairs even if you think unrelated?

They also changed the oil and the cabin filter.  No other services were performed recently and the vehicle is up to date on all maintenance service intervals.  I am in the dark about all but the most simple auto maintenance procedures but I can't imagine the problem could be caused by those.

However, there is another piece of information to consider here.  They checked my air filter during the service and while doing so they apparently manhandled the air filter housing and broke it where it connects to a 1" diameter rubber hose that attaches to the oil compartment.  I noticed this just today when I went to change the air filter.  I took it back to the shop and they recognized their need to replace the broken housing (they have the part being overnighted so they can replace it tomorrow).  When I asked them what consequences could come about by driving around with that connection broken the guy said all it would do is eventually cause traces of oil to splatter around on the engine.  I have no idea how accurate that response was.

[Band]

IF it helps, I'm pointing at the broken connection here...


And yes, they did fail to put the clamp back in place, but with the broken connection that doesn't really matter so much in this case.

[Fl0und3rz]

Sounds like PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve connection.  I suppose you might see some mileage change from that, but I'd be surprised if it would decrease that much.

[dewandgin]

and that right there could be the whole problem.. Unmetered air entering the engine downstream of the maf causing the motor to think it is running lean there by making the system add more fuel.

[Band]

and that right there could be the whole problem.. Unmetered air entering the engine downstream of the maf causing the motor to think it is running lean there by making the system add more fuel.

Yeah, I wondered that.  It would throw off the correct air/fuel mixture!

[Band]

I appreciate the help, guys.  After they make the fix tomorrow I'm going to have a discussion with the service manager about why the service guy failed to disclose this problem when he was finished with the job.  I think they have some explaining to do.

[timberghost72]

That is upstream from any air metering. That is right off the air box so there is no unmetered air entering the intake. But it still could cause your issue and needs to be fixed. Look for other vaccuum hoses that could also be disconnected causing vaccuum leaks (unmetered air)

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

IF it helps, I'm pointing at the broken connection here...


And yes, they did fail to put the clamp back in place, but with the broken connection that doesn't really matter so much in this case.

Yep that's the spot! The spot where the rice is injected for proper performance of your fine rice grinder! Thanks for the pic to clarify the rice issue....

[timberghost72]

Wait a minute.........Are you talking Long Grain Brown Rice or White Rice? If fueled with the wrong rice, well then we have a bigger issue 

[Band]

That's the problem, I've been using gas all these years instead of rice!

Say what you want but if you look at reliability of used automobiles in Consumer Reports the CRV tops all the rest.  And last I looked, our 2004 was the best year for CRV reliability.  Gotta like that.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

See how this works. We talk in depth of true mechanical stuff and if we use the K.I.S.S. method we figure it all out. Short or long grain is better than gas any day.

[timberghost72]

That's the problem, I've been using gas all these years instead of rice!

Say what you want but if you look at reliability of used automobiles in Consumer Reports the CRV tops all the rest.  And last I looked, our 2004 was the best year for CRV reliability.  Gotta like that.

They are great vehicles. My wife has a 2007 and with Goodyear TripleTred tires, that thing is unstopable in the snow. I am impressed with it. Only thing I hate about it is road noise. But overall a great vehicle.