Service Bulletin

12-087

December 19, 2018

Version 8

Warranty Extension: Sticking Rings Resulting in High Engine Oil
Consumption
Supersedes 12-087, dated January 31, 2018; See REVISION SUMMARY
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2008-11

Accord

L4

Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

REVISION SUMMARY
The cylinder bore inspection procedure included in the REPAIR PROCEDURE was updated because there is now a
special tool available to check for scratches.
BACKGROUND
American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on the Piston Rings and Pistons for 2008-11 Accord L4 to 8 years
from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a
financial institution or insurer, or has a branded, or similar tittle under any state’s law. To check for vehicle eligibility,
you must do a VIN status inquiry.
Some vehicles may be affected by S/B 11-049, Product Update: Software Update to Improve Fuel Injector and VTC
Timing. Do an iN VIN status inquiry, and if the product update applies, make sure you update the vehicle before
continuing with this warranty extension.
Additionally, there are three Tech2Tech videos for reference:
•

Tips When Working with Fracture Rods

•

Using Cylinder Wall Inspection Tool (To be released in January 2019)

•

Let's Talk Spring Compressors

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.
SYMPTOM
The engine oil level is low on the dipstick, and the oil warning light may come on in rare high oil consumption situations.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION:The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
©

2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 28

POSSIBLE CAUSES
Under certain specific circumstances the engine may create deposits on the oil control rings, which may lead to
increased oil consumption when all of the following conditions occur simultaneously on a regular and prolonged basis:
•

The engine is cold (not warmed up to operating temperature)

•

Hard acceleration while the engine is cold

•

The fuel used has an unusually high concentration of particles - Honda recommends using Top Tier gas that
contains detergents to prevent deposits. For more information about Top Tier gas, go to www.toptiergas.com.

All these conditions happening at the same time is rare, but if they do, deposits may form over years of driving. If the oil
control rings begin to stick because of the deposits, the customer may subsequently complain about excessive oil
consumption.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the procedure under DIAGNOSIS and based on your results, replace all of the engine pistons and piston rings if
necessary.
Service Advisor: Talk to the customer about the many factors contributing to oil consumption. Remind him or her that
with less frequent service intervals for modern engines, it’s not uncommon to add oil between services. Therefore, it’s a
good idea to check the engine oil regularly (as recommended in the owner’s manual) and add oil as necessary.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

BOLT, CONNECTING ROD (Up to 8 as required after
measurements)

13204-RBB-004

8

BOLT, WASHER, 11 x 176 mm (Up to 10 as required after
measurements)

90005-RNA-A01

10

BOLT, FLANGE, 12 x 45 mm (Side engine mount )

90165-SDA-A00

1

BOLT, FLANGE, 12 x 65 mm (Side engine mount )

90168-TA0-A00

1

Drain Plug Washer

94109-14000

1

GASKET, Cylinder Head

12251-R40-A01

1

GASKET, SET

12030-R44-A00

1

GASKET, Exhaust Flexible (Catalytic to A pipe)

18229-SEA-013

1

HondaBond HT (1 tube repairs 5 vehicles )

08718-0004

1

Honda Coolant Type 2 (1 gallon will be used to top off 2
vehicles)

OL999-9011

1

Honda Motor Oil, Full Synthetic 0W20 (6 quarts of oil to be
used)

08798-9063

6

Oil Filter

15400-PLM-A02

1

O-Ring (AT oil pump )

91301-R40-A01

1

O-Ring, Chain Case

91302-PNA-004

1

Oil Seal, Control Valve (O-ring at VTC Valve assembly )

15832-RAA-A01

1
Page 2 of 28

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Packing A, Intake Manifold

17115-R40-A01

4

Piston SET A (STD) (Dealer must determine how many to
order)

13010-R40-A00

4

Piston SET B (STD) (Dealer must determine how many to
order)

13020-R40-A00

4

Ring Set (STD)

13011-R44-A01

4

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Camshaft Lock Pin Set

07AAB-RWCA120

1

Crank Pulley Holder

07AAB-RJAA100

1

Handle 6-25-660L

07JAB-001020B

1

Engine Hanger

AART1256

1

Gasket Remover/Pan Separator

LIL50190

1

Piston Ring Expander

Snap-On PRS8 or
equivalent

1

Piston Ring Compressor

SCP1287 or equivalent

1

1/2 in. Drive Torque Angle Gauge

BLMBLDAG001 or
TA360

1

Cylinder Wall Inspection Tool

07AAJR70A300

1

TOOL INFORMATION

NOTES
•

Each dealer was sent one cylinder wall inspection tool. If you need more, it is available for dealer ordering.

•

The other items can be purchased through the Honda Tool & Equipment Program 888-424-6857.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

1111BF

Replacing all pistons
and piston rings

10.0 hrs

5X100

JN900

Template
ID

Failed Part Number
13011-R44-A01

Skill Level: Repair Technician

Page 3 of 28

DIAGNOSIS
1. Do an engine oil consumption test. Refer to the Job Aid Engine Oil Consumption Test.
2. Review the results of the engine oil consumption test.
•

Based on the test results, if the engine is consuming an unusually high amount of oil, contact your DPSM for
approval, then go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

•

Based on the test results, if the engine is consuming a normal amount of engine oil, the vehicle is OK. Explain to
the customer that the vehicle is OK, and that the consumption of oil is within a normal range.
NOTE
Remind the customer to regularly check the engine oil level every time they fill the fuel tank. Modern engines
require less frequent oil changes, which may impact the amount of oil used between oil changes.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
This procedure is an outline form that you can also use as a checklist for the repair. For details on the procedures noted,
refer to the appropriate service manual, or view them online.
•

Engine Oil Replacement

•

Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection

•

Fuel Pressure Relieving

•

Coolant Replacement

•

Drive Belt Removal/Installation

•

Intake Manifold Removal and Installation

•

Warm Up TWC Removal/Installation
NOTE
Disconnect TWC at the A-pipe at TWC.

•

Fuel Line/Quick-Connect Fitting Removal

•

Cylinder Head Removal

•

Cam Chain Removal

•

Rocker Arm Assembly Removal

•

Valve Adjustment

•

Oil Pan Installation

•

ECM Idle Learn Procedure
NOTES

•

Before starting work, make sure to order the correct number of “A” and “B” pistons. Refer to ORDERING
PISTONS at the end of this bulletin.

•