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My 02 LX (D17A1) had 220,000 miles when I had the timing belt replaced... apparently it was a cheap aftermarket belt, which broke after 6,000 miles. Compression check reveals at least a couple valves bent, so I’m putting in a rebuilt head. As far as the pistons, all four have the half moon pair of dents on the IN side, which is normal/not caused by valves from what I understand. One piston, however, has a small set of half moons on the opposite side. I’m guessing that was a valve smacked.
I have a set of cheap aftermarket pistons, so dilemma is: Do I run the dinged piston as is, or do I swap in one of the aftermarket pistons, or do I replace all four with the aftermarket pistons...
I've never seen a piston/valve contact actually damage the piston in any meaningful way. Can you provide pictures? Sure the valve reliefs aren't on the other pistons as well?
This is a picture of the #3 piston. It’s the only one of the four that has two half moons on the outboard side. They’re also shiny, whereas the inboard half moons have carbon buildup, making me think they’ve been there a while. Just not sure if it’s anything to worry about, compared to running a cheap aftermarket piston.
