[Shop-talk] New engine for a Honda? RESOLUTION

[Jim Stone]

I thought I would resurrect Moose’s discussion to share a recent article from Haggerty on the use of AI to diagnose vehicle problems.  In a nutshell, their experience mirrors Moose’s and suggests we might all want to add ChatGTP into our toolboxes.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/tested-is-ai-your-next-classic-car-mechanic/?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=MED_UN_NA_EML_UN_UN_WeekendRoadTrip&hashed_email=c8a202749fb3ee180da46bc01753dfea37cacafc792579d503edc6e326ce4e4e&dtm_em=c8a202749fb3ee180da46bc01753dfea37cacafc792579d503edc6e326ce4e4e

> On Nov 21, 2025, at 6:42 PM, Moose <eric at megageek.com> wrote:
> 
> Well gurus, I fixed the Honda and I'm almost embarrassed to say it. 
> 
> First, I checked the intake for oil thinking that would show me if it was a pcv valve that failed.  It was clean. 
> 
> HOWEVER, I didn't realize the best way to check them is to just pull them out and replace them. (It was $4.50 and $8 for the grommet.)  Actually, if you pull them out and shake them, you should hear it rattle. 
> 
> Well, I replaced it. And no more oil leak!!!!!  I also borescoped the cylinders (all were near perfect) and replaced the spark plugs while I was there.  Car runs much smoother now as a result! 
> 
> So, who was the winner that told me this... 
> 
> AI.  That is right, I put the question to ChatGPT and that was the first thing it told me to try.  It gave me a nice list of things to try in order. 
> 
> Since I figured, I was on a roll, I pushed on.  One of the problems with the car that we never had the 'radio security code' and after a battery replacement, the radio was locked. 
> 
> So I found a link to a Honda site where you can recover the codes, but it required the S/N of the radio (and car VIN.)  No problem I figured.  Taking the radio out was 2 clips and 3 screws to get the dash off of it.  HOWEVER, there was a surprise hidden for 'non-Honda' mechanics that may try to do this.  The button for the hazard lights has an electrical connector attached to it.  Like all automotive connectors, it requires a magic spell, 2 incantations, and a bit of unicorn farts to disconnect it (Seriously, why can't they standardize electrical connectors?)   
> Anyway, when you get it apart, the spring that returns the hazard light button is held in-between the switch and the connector.  So guess where this spring shoots one you disconnect the plug.  That's right, straight into the depths of the dash board.  CRUD! 
> 
> Luckily, I found a spring that worked in my 'springs and things' draw and was able to get it all back together. So the car now has a radio as well. 
> 
> In the end, I'm a happy man and the SO thinks I can walk on water.  Don't worry, I'm sure I'll screw up soon enough to dispel that image.  8>) 
> 
> Moose_______________________________________________
> 
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