My First Post, And Car Runs Like Crap

[bushbean]

Howdy Folks,

I have been driving an 88 Accord LX (carburetor) for a few months, and
today it started running like crap. Let me describe how it runs. First, the
car was very, very difficult to get started. I had to apply wide open throttle
in order to get it started. Second, once the car get started, the engine ran
like crap--lots of popping sound from the muffler and reeks of unburnt fuel.
Third, if I let the RPM drop below 1500, engine dies.

I know very little about carburetor cars, and all these vaccuum hoses
are scaring me. I also know very little about this car's history, but it has
been running superbly for the last few months. I pulled the spark plugs
out, and it was full of carbon deposit. However, I don't think that's the
problem. Please point me in the right direction. Any constructive comment
is welcome.

[bullard123]

Get some carb cleaner and spray your carberator out plus put some of that fuel injector/carb cleaner in your gas tank. If it comtinues to act up might be time to replace your carb.........Also you might need to change your spark plugs.

[VTEC_Inside]

Sounds like the choke isn't opening.

[bushbean]

Problem solved: new spark plugs fixed the problem.

Can someone tell me what is the correct spark plug gap for
the 1988 Accord LX (carburetor)?

I got some Autolites spark plugs from Autozone; are these ok
for Honda? Or should I use NGK?

Thanks!

[Whistler225]

NGK is the OEM replacement. I bought their Iridium plugs directly from their website.

[88Accord-DX]

Spark plugs should come set to gap. (if not close enough)

[hyongel]

Service manual says to set the gap to 0.039"-0.043"

[Whistler225]

if you buy the Iridium plugs, they come PRE-GAPPED. Do not try to gap them, as Iridium plugs are not designed to be gapped (this is directly from NGK, and I think it might be because they would break).