Nearly Fatal Honda Engine Problem

In this video I'll be going over the Honda Del Sol that I recently bought at an auction. These cars are super reliable but there are a few things you need to know about if you are going to be buying one of these. Things like making sure the timing belt and the water pump has been replaced since these are interference engines, seals for the removable roof have been replaced making sure to buy the right year so it comes with ABS. And I'll also go over a not so very common problem but one that you need to pay attention to since it can potentially destroy your engine.


Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[asheralman]

I own a 94 Del Sol with the Sohc... I'm very happy with it. Very quick and fun to drive. I hope you things go well with the repairs and improvements. I look forward to seeing follow up videos on it. If Hondas are maintained properly, they be very reliable and fun. Mine has over 200K on it and drives very well. I wish you great success in your car business !!

[The_Redkween]

In Texas, being a manual and VTEC-single, it is worth about $2k as-is. If you get it running, $3000. If you get it running and fix the interior, $4000. If you fix the engine, the interior, paint it with at least a decent paint-job, and put some OEM Honda alloys on it, probably $5500-$6000.
Three years ago, this would have been a part-out to make money.

[lambrinos]

Damn the shop looks great! This channel is at another level now.

[garysofia]

I also have a 94 Civic Del Sol Si with the 1.6 SOHC. I resurrected it from near death. Got it cheap. The only thing left to do is to paint it. About 143K miles. How about doing a video where you add a turbo charger?! That would make this car a total blast. I'd say all fixed up, the car could get you $5K in great but non-pristine shape. Yeah, looking forward to the videos on this car. Coincidentally, I just swapped out my Windshield Wiper Motor. Easy job, but all the tabs broke, so make sure you order those, too.

Have REALLY enjoyed your channel over the years, but this is my first comment to you. Can we get an update on how the Avocado Farm is doing, too?

[JonnyDIY]

Wow that thing is clean! How much did it cost? I think I missed it or you forgot. I wouldn't repaint it. If thats original paint I'd leave it and just rubbing compound and polish it. Very nice! 👍 $7000 all fixed up, with alloy wheels and seats redone and full detailed

[dentmastersofnymichael]

Those Del Sols are coming up in value and they are fairly rare and even rarer in good shape. They were fairly cheap cars for the young crowd so they were not well taken care of. Personally they are one of my favorite 90s cars

[LABowen]

Nice have the 93' model....Same color and all. Have redone suspension all around and other repairs and mods. Got new rims for it, just havent installed them yet. It has the aluminum ones on there now that you were talking about getting. Cant wait to see what all you do to it.

[QBRX]

Can't wait to see the progress on this. Love your channel!

[DJV]

The del sol was the chassis with the most engines available to trims and year

93-95
S d15b7
Si d16z6

94-95
Vtec B16a3

96-97
S d16y7
Si d16y8
Vtec b16a2

[jngtruong]

SI model should have came with a factory spoiler and rear disc brakes. Looking forward to these videos. I had a 93 SI back in the days.

[dogsplantscarsneatstuff]

i will look forward to watching you extract that crankshaft bolt that could be a pain.

[SteveB]

Assuming a good running engine and new paint and clean up the interior, I think you may get $7, 000 (US) for it. Looking forward to following along with your progress.

[timetowakeup]

Congrats on a million subs my friend. Well deserved. How's the avocado farm treating you?

[rbarr]

Can’t wait to see how get that crank bolt out

[kimokahikolekalihi]

Looking forward to seeing it transformed although, I do have serious doubts this car will turn a profit with all those repairs and the relatively low value of a del sol to begin with. Gotta put a price on your time, too.

[billcatcher]

If the clear coat IS intact, try using Turtle Wax's "Black Box". It's a 3 step, liquid black wax process....you apply - obviously to cars with black paint. Amazing stuff. I used the black box on a black del sol a few years ago (applied several coats), turned out incredible. Looked like black paint on steroids. Keep in mind, it won't work in areas where the clear coat is absent/peeling - clear coat MUST be intact. Wear gloves....it's messy but a highly effective black wax.

[TheRebuilt]

thse are some of the best powerplants Honda built. They are also very easy and good to learn about engine rebuilding on as you can easily rebuild the 1.5 and 1.6 vtec and non vtec engines pretty easily.

[adrianamarilloblack]

There are 3 trims the base model the SI and the VTEC TRIM. The top trim is named VTEC even though the Si had VTEC. Si had the D16Z6 Soch and the VTEC had the B16A2 DOCH.

[Cartier_specialist]

An engine swap might be the cheapest way to fix the issue plus you might find a donor car at LKQ that has most the parts you need.

[johnpeacock]

How you are getting a broken crank bolt out will be monumental. Good luck with that