wizzer
Road Burner
The K20 is a brilliant engine and one of the most well known Honda engines out there. So it makes sense to have a dedicated forum thread to this engine so we can discuss the common problems and issues.
On the K20, there are a few locations that are vulnerable or problemmatic and can need improvement, so highlighting these it should help our members diagnose the faults and problems more quickly.
I'll be writing some engine-related pieces, and I'm hoping that others will be able to contribute to them and that we can all discuss these issues together.
General care of the K20
On the K20, there are certain weak spots, issues, and problem areas. In general, K20 engines are dependable and solid units, as long as you adhere to the manufacturer's service schedules and use high-quality oil to ensure long-term performance. Providing they are serviced and maintained on a regular basis, there should be few concerns.
Regular oil changes are essential for the K20, especially when the engine is tuned, and will help to increase the engine's life as well as its reliability.
When the incorrect type of oil is used, the camshaft is frequently the first component to experience issues which is not surprising as it does take quite a beating.
Problems after mods and upgrades
After the modifications, there are K20 issues. While some of our members have reported issues with flat spots or glitches following the application of mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to the engine's design. https://www.torquecars.com/tuning/tuning-misfires.php
While some of our members have reported issues with flat spots or glitches following the application of mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to the engine's design. Instead, see our article on diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning, which should assist you in getting to the bottom of the problem. Problems with the crankshaft oil seal on the K20 Another issue that frequently occurs with these engines is oil leakage from the front seal of the crankshaft.
Check the K20 crankshaft oil seal.
On your K20, a visual inspection should disclose whether the front crankshaft oil seal is prone to leaking a small amount of oil. Replace the seal to resolve the issue (do not use oil treatments to "fix leaky seals"; instead, replace the seal).
Valve knocking issues
Problems with the knocking sound on the K20 Owners of the K20 have reported hearing knocking noises in their vehicles. The best-case scenario is that changing the valves will resolve the issue completely.
It is possible, however, for the situation to deteriorate, resulting in the exhaust camshaft wearing down and eventually needing to be replaced. There are many instances of engine mount failure, and you will notice increased engine vibrations when this occurs, but it is not a cause for alarm.
Poor idling on the K20 issues
Problems with the harsh idle on the K20 A filthy throttle body or a defective idle control valve can also result in a harsh idle being produced.
Carbon build up & throttle body issues
Additionally, if your car is idling rough, you may need to clean the throttle body. Furthermore, carbon accumulation in the head might result in flat spots, which can impair the vehicle's performance, this is not actually that bad but on a high mileage engine it might be time to consider a decoke.
Even though this is a more serious problem with direct injection engines, it should be kept an eye out for on all engines, especially as the mileage begins to mount up. We provide some suggestions for eliminating carbon buildup. https://www.torquecars.com/articles/car-care/direct-injection-carbon-removal.php
KEEP THOSE PLUGS CLEAN AND IN GOOD ORDER, most problems I see are down to bad plugs or faulty ignition leads.
More information on this awesome engine can be found at: https://www.torquecars.com/honda/k20-tuning.php
What problems and issues are you having with your K20, please post here so we can discuss them together and help each other out.
On the K20, there are a few locations that are vulnerable or problemmatic and can need improvement, so highlighting these it should help our members diagnose the faults and problems more quickly.
I'll be writing some engine-related pieces, and I'm hoping that others will be able to contribute to them and that we can all discuss these issues together.
General care of the K20
On the K20, there are certain weak spots, issues, and problem areas. In general, K20 engines are dependable and solid units, as long as you adhere to the manufacturer's service schedules and use high-quality oil to ensure long-term performance. Providing they are serviced and maintained on a regular basis, there should be few concerns.
Regular oil changes are essential for the K20, especially when the engine is tuned, and will help to increase the engine's life as well as its reliability.
When the incorrect type of oil is used, the camshaft is frequently the first component to experience issues which is not surprising as it does take quite a beating.
Problems after mods and upgrades
After the modifications, there are K20 issues. While some of our members have reported issues with flat spots or glitches following the application of mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to the engine's design. https://www.torquecars.com/tuning/tuning-misfires.php
While some of our members have reported issues with flat spots or glitches following the application of mods and upgrades or tuning, this is not usually related to the engine's design. Instead, see our article on diagnosing flat spots and problems after tuning, which should assist you in getting to the bottom of the problem. Problems with the crankshaft oil seal on the K20 Another issue that frequently occurs with these engines is oil leakage from the front seal of the crankshaft.
Check the K20 crankshaft oil seal.
On your K20, a visual inspection should disclose whether the front crankshaft oil seal is prone to leaking a small amount of oil. Replace the seal to resolve the issue (do not use oil treatments to "fix leaky seals"; instead, replace the seal).
Valve knocking issues
Problems with the knocking sound on the K20 Owners of the K20 have reported hearing knocking noises in their vehicles. The best-case scenario is that changing the valves will resolve the issue completely.
It is possible, however, for the situation to deteriorate, resulting in the exhaust camshaft wearing down and eventually needing to be replaced. There are many instances of engine mount failure, and you will notice increased engine vibrations when this occurs, but it is not a cause for alarm.
Poor idling on the K20 issues
Problems with the harsh idle on the K20 A filthy throttle body or a defective idle control valve can also result in a harsh idle being produced.
Carbon build up & throttle body issues
Additionally, if your car is idling rough, you may need to clean the throttle body. Furthermore, carbon accumulation in the head might result in flat spots, which can impair the vehicle's performance, this is not actually that bad but on a high mileage engine it might be time to consider a decoke.
Even though this is a more serious problem with direct injection engines, it should be kept an eye out for on all engines, especially as the mileage begins to mount up. We provide some suggestions for eliminating carbon buildup. https://www.torquecars.com/articles/car-care/direct-injection-carbon-removal.php
KEEP THOSE PLUGS CLEAN AND IN GOOD ORDER, most problems I see are down to bad plugs or faulty ignition leads.
More information on this awesome engine can be found at: https://www.torquecars.com/honda/k20-tuning.php
What problems and issues are you having with your K20, please post here so we can discuss them together and help each other out.
