How To Test For a Bad Engine

Sometimes engine failure is obvious, sometimes not so much. This video details how to determine if you have a ‘bad’ engine in your vehicle and also provides information on what your choices are if you do need an engine. This video also focuses on the Honda VCM system and its potential problems found on many J series Honda V6 engines equipped with that system. Thank you for watching! Become a Premium Member of EricTheCarGuy.com: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/why-become-a-premium-etcg-member/ ETCG Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3OMlQ9m My Patreon Account: https://www.patreon.com/EricTheCarGuy The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com EricTheCarGuy FAQ Page: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/ Tools (some are affiliate links) Compression Tester: https://amzn.to/4qwtMvp Leak Down Tester: https://amzn.to/3MFmKqs Scan Tool I Used: https://amzn.to/4arsagx VCM Tuner: https://www.vcmtuner.com?sca_ref=10635045.9c6zSvj1bdgEbDg Related Videos How To Perform a Compression Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_tbksFYhl4&t=254s How To Perform a Leak Down Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgrfT0LFMhc&t=61s How To Perform a Block Test (coolant into combustion chamber): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUzOTnsWImI&t=83s How To Perform a Power Balance Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAOmUjAjNjE&t=1s How To Check Oil Pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8teB16U0LA&t=16s How To Find a Vacuum Leak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CPqbaSgcok&t=6s How To Check Fuel Pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeVTZz0od7Y&t=27s Check Out My New Project Vehicle: https://youtu.be/7ut-APt1FXs 20K Oil Change Results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm_KIjt85eQ&t=58s Why People Hate Hondas VCM System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dLwRqxSdDc&t=7s Honda J Series Oil Leak: What You Need To Know: https://youtu.be/tp-I2ucIpYU The ONLY Fix for the Honda J Series Spool Valve Oil Leak: https://youtu.be/nR63V-kvQHE 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey Alternator Replacement: https://youtu.be/sag8x160QFs 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey (J35) Valve Adjustment and Oil Leak Fix: https://youtu.be/QRMzxm4jll4 Should You Rebuild or Replace an Engine?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWjF56tFzRg&t=16s 2005 Honda Odyssey The VCM Repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW_lDzXx2hA&t=1s 2003 Honda Pilot Complete Rear Suspension Rebuild (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIOJbDjBlU4&t=1s 2003 Honda Pilot Complete Rear Suspension Rebuild (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVh52ACWkcc&t=1s Honda Pilot #ETCGHackHawk Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11nl6FCkr-s&list=PLSzhQ6St-ov3cXOvOQSyQQboN8f27MVQs Check Out My New Snowblower: https://youtu.be/c8X2UdpXgUc 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Types of Engine Failures 02:07 First Steps 03:21 Checking the Engine with a Scan Tool 05:18 Power Balance Test 09:00 Spark Plug Inspection 13:20 Compression Test 20:44 Leak Down Test 25:11 Moisture Under Oil Cap 31:34 Interpreting Data 32:26 The Honda VCM System 35:22 Your Choices if You Have a Bad Engine 39:55 What I’m Doing with this Pilot **Answers to your automotive questions found here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq Social Network Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy?fref=ts Instagram: http://instagram.com/ericthecarguy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericthecarguy Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ericthecarguy X: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/premium-content-streaming-etcg-content Stay Dirty ETCG Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.