Rough running 94 Accord

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Jojo, Nov 2, 2006.

  1. Jojo

    Jojo Guest

    Symptoms: car idles slow and misfires except when accelerating.
    Doesn't start sometimes after shutting down for a couple of minutes and
    sometimes stalls at traffic lights. It always starts after a minute or
    two. Sometimes there is a slight "grating" noise.
    I replaced the distributor, cap, rotor, ignitor, ignition coil, plugs,
    wires and fuel filter (and boy, was that filter hard to get out).
    When setting the timing, the timing light misses, i.e., it doesn't fire
    every time it should. That could be because it's old, but I don't
    think so. It was the reason I replaced some of the ignition parts.
    The ignition coil was out of spec, actually on what I consider the
    "good" side but not according to the shop manual.
    I have pulled out the "main" relay (from under the dash, beside the
    steering column) and the soldering looks perfect.
    The car has 105,000 miles. The timing belt has not been replaced.
    I have run two fuel injector treatments through the car.
    The "check engine" light is not illuminated.
    If they weren't so expensive, I'd replace the engine relays (especially
    in the fuel system).
    Got any good ideas?
    Jojo
     
    Jojo, Nov 2, 2006
    #1
  2. Jojo

    Jim Yanik Guest


    "Looks perfect" isn't going to do it.
    While you had it out,you should have resoldered it and ELIMINATED IT as a
    problem.
     
    Jim Yanik, Nov 2, 2006
    #2
  3. Jojo

    jim beam Guest

    that implies there's still a problem with the ignition. did you use
    honda parts or aftermarket?
     
    jim beam, Nov 2, 2006
    #3
  4. Jojo

    Jojo Guest

    These parts came from AutoZone.
    Got an idea?
     
    Jojo, Nov 2, 2006
    #4
  5. So they are probably aftermarket. Bite the bullet and get OEM.
     
    High Tech Misfit, Nov 2, 2006
    #5
  6. Jojo

    Jojo Guest

    I had hoped, by posting all the symptoms, to read of someone's
    diagnosis.
     
    Jojo, Nov 4, 2006
    #6
  7. Jojo

    motsco_ Guest

    --------------------------------------

    Resolder the main relay, make sure the plugs are according to the spec
    on the sticker (brand and model). Try running Gasohol through it for a
    while. Is the coolant reservoir full enough?

    12 years old, 105,000 MILES and ORIGINAL timing belt?

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_, Nov 4, 2006
    #7
  8. As High Tech Misfit says, it sounds like the sort of problems that
    aftermarket ignition parts often cause in Hondas. I'm pretty stubborn, but
    after being burned by aftermarket ignition parts (including plug wire sets)
    I'm staying with OEM. When my son's aftermarket Acura rotor came apart in a
    few months and chewed up the dust cap inside the distributor it was the last
    straw. Before that it was a distributor cap that shorted one plug within a
    couple hours of driving.

    If you replace the cap and rotor (and wires, if they are aftermarket) with
    OEM it will quite possibly work right; alternatively if you don't you run
    the risk of it not working right even if you find and correct other
    problems. The aftermarket parts can be kept as emergency spares; rough
    running is better than no running.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Nov 4, 2006
    #8
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