Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 49

Thread: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

  1. #1

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch. -- Updated --

    Well, my hatchback has been having idle problems lately. I can,t directly pinpoint what's going on exactly.
    It idles fine when cold or if it's been sitting for some time. After it warms up, it's got a lumpy idle and will die randomly.
    I checked for vacuum leaks and couldn't find any. Maybe a thermovalve is leaking but I have seen no hose or gasket leak so far.
    My vacuum gauge reads 20 but will drop to like 18 when the rpm decreases and go back to 20 (like this, forever).
    I adjusted the float lever on spec (was a little high) but it didn't solve the problem.
    I cleaned the shit out of the carb but still the same problem occurs.
    I turned up the throttle stop screw so it itles higher and won't die anymore. The idle is still lumpy and a bit of a pain to keep in gear at a stop light (automatic car)
    I noticed that if I apply vacuum to the power valve (line #14), it's like there's nothing connected to it. Maybe I need to buy a real vacuum pump but if I suck with my mouth, there's no way it will hold vacuum. This rocedure has worked fine with other vacuum devices so maybe I'm doing this wrong hehe.
    Anyone got an idea?
    Edit:
    I forgot to mention that if I place my hand on top of the primary barrel or partially manualy close the choke plate, the idle will raise (normal?)

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742



  2. #2
    2ndGenGuy
    Guest

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Sounds kinda like the electric choke isn't working. My car had these same symptoms, and I found that the wire sending power to the choke on my carb had come unplugged. Hence the choke stays on all the time, and the car runs like crap when warmed up.

  3. #3
    3Geez Veteran russiankid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Vehicle
    1989 Honda Accord LX 5-speed, 1995 BMW 525i 5-speed
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    4,929

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Yea check your choke. I remember when my car idled crappy, my brother told me it could be the choke.
    Sam


    1989 Accord LX: Sold with 208k-now somewhere around 230k with new owner

    Current:
    2014 Elantra Sport 6MT
    2000 Montero Sport 4x4 (beater, trail rig)

  4. #4

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    In fact, the choke opens all the way after it's been warmed up. That's where it begins to act weird.

    I noticed that I can feel some hesitation while driving on the highway at constant rpms. If I step on the gas, it revs like a champ without problem. I just can feel it jerk a bit going at constant rpms (like 2500 ish)

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  5. #5
    3Geez Veteran russiankid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Vehicle
    1989 Honda Accord LX 5-speed, 1995 BMW 525i 5-speed
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    4,929

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Quote Originally Posted by carotman
    In fact, the choke opens all the way after it's been warmed up. That's where it begins to act weird.

    I noticed that I can feel some hesitation while driving on the highway at constant rpms. If I step on the gas, it revs like a champ without problem. I just can feel it jerk a bit going at constant rpms (like 2500 ish)
    How is your fuel pump? Mine jerks like you described as well but only when it is cold.
    Sam


    1989 Accord LX: Sold with 208k-now somewhere around 230k with new owner

    Current:
    2014 Elantra Sport 6MT
    2000 Montero Sport 4x4 (beater, trail rig)

  6. #6

    Ichiban's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Vehicle
    82 Honda Accord B20A, 76 Honda XL 175, 04 Honda Foreman ES, 83 Toyota shortbox 4x4
    Location
    North of You.
    Posts
    2,091

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    It is obviously leaning at idle and probably at part throttle as well. Sounds like you have crap in your idle circuit, and when the choke is applied, it increases the vacuum enough to pull adequate fuel to run the car. These carbs have an idle mixture screw? Maybe pull it out and check for aforementioned crap. Also, count the number of turns until it seats before you remove it so you can put it back. May have to break off a limiting cap.

    Otherwise, it's symptomatic of a vacuum leak somewheres. I check for faulty lines and parts by running the engine and kinking each hose off one by one. If the engine suddenly runs right when you kink a certain hose, investigate further. I found a pooched distributer advance diaphragm this way.
    Last edited by Ichiban; 05-01-2007 at 03:50 PM.
    ICHIBAN!
    "Now, even more better!"

  7. #7

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    I'm a bit dumb.

    I just remembered that the PCV hose is cracked just on top of the PCV valve. I didn't bother with it but this may be the cause of a nice vacuum leak...

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  8. #8

    2oodoor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Vehicle
    86 LX JDM B20A
    Location
    Georgia-lina
    Posts
    9,062

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Quote Originally Posted by carotman
    I'm a bit dumb.

    I just remembered that the PCV hose is cracked just on top of the PCV valve. I didn't bother with it but this may be the cause of a nice vacuum leak...
    That will do it!

    another way to check for vacuum leak is get a can of cheap carb cleaner and use the small tube that comes with it, spray very sparingly around carb base, intake manifold mating surfaces, vacuum tees, etc. ..If you hear the engine rise rpm slightly while idleing , that is the area to look for leak.

  9. #9

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Well, I fixed the PCV hose but it still does it. It didn't help much but it did help.

    I noticed today that if I make a right turn and let the rpms drop, the engine will die ?!?!? Left turns are ok. Could it be the float that's acting up?

    When I was trying to find a fuel problem on the car. I jumped the fuel cutoff relay and the pump came constantly on. Maybe this just busted the float somehow. The float level is fine tough so I don't know what to think.

    I bought 60 inch of vacuum tubes and "HELP!" Vacuum caps today. I'll do the vacuum removal procedure and see if it helps in any way.

    At least it doesn't randomly die on me anymore so it's drivable this way.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  10. #10

    A20A1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Vehicle
    2006 Chevy Cobalt LS
    Location
    Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States
    Posts
    88,734

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    There is a bleed hole inside the powervalve, so it won't hold vacuum very easily untill it's strong enough to pull more then the small hole can bleed off, It's hard to say that the plunger ends up covering the bleed hole once it reaches the top.

    You may want to try and push the plunger up with your finger and then suck on the vacuum line and try to hold the plunger in the up position by just sucking on it.

    I think the hole is there as a way to let the plunger drop quicker once vacuum is low enough.




    -------


    Did you replace the PCV valve too?


    ----------


    When you hold your hand over the carb you increase vacuum and richen the mixture by reducing air, so you may have a lean mix but it could be from a vacuum leak.

    The air cleaner on and closed can help up the vacuum signal. but wont solve the lumpy idle

    ----------
    - llia


  11. #11

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Hmm, I plugged evey single vacuum hose on the intake and back of the carb. I just left the secondary barrel diaphragm connected and I still had a lumpy idle

    This means it's not a vacuum leak from the hoses. I sprayed carb cleaner at the base of the carb where the EFE plate is but it didn't change anything. I sprayed on top of the intake manifold gasket where it meets with the head but still didn't change. There could be an intake leak under the manifold but that's a hard to reach area.

    I didn't replace the PCV valve because it was functionning properly. One of the guys in the local Honda club is junking an 87 Hatch, auto (same car as mine). I know his carb works fine so I may just end up replacing the thing and the base gaskets. We'll see if it solves the problem.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  12. #12

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Yup, I noticed it again tonight. Left turns makes the idle go UP by like 250 rpm, right turns make it drop by the same amount (and die)...

    Very odd....

    I'll take a video of this haha

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  13. #13

    A20A1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Vehicle
    2006 Chevy Cobalt LS
    Location
    Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States
    Posts
    88,734

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Try cleaning out the carb.

    Have you replaced any fuel filters?
    - llia


  14. #14

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    I cleaned the hell out of the carb at the beggining of the week. I replaced the front filter in November and the back filter is about 2 years old.

    I wonder if those cleaners that you put in the tank could help a bit.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  15. #15

    A20A1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Vehicle
    2006 Chevy Cobalt LS
    Location
    Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States
    Posts
    88,734

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Pump could be weak

    Float could be stickng, not sure what else would cause the problems. I mean the car never will like turning right, but it shouldn't die completely.

    What about the gasket for the top hat.

    And none of your ABC is hooked to vacuum is it?

    You can remove and clean the idle jet, or what I think is the idle jet, it's a long jet that sits between the float bowl and the primary barrel.

    Have you made any adjustments to the A/F screw?

    how is the Solenoid at the back of the carb?

    not sure what else I can trow out there.
    - llia


  16. #16

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Hmmm I could check the solenoid at the back of the carb indeed! (never thought about that). I think the procedure is in the shop manual somewhere.

    I don't have any ABC vacuums on that carb from the factory. I may try and clean the idle jet. Do I have to remove the top hat to reach it? ( I guess so) I could always rebuild the carb in the process too. I never touched the A/F screw and I don't plan to, that may cause even more harm hehe.

    Thanks alot Mike for your help., this is really appreciated.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  17. #17
    3Geez Veteran russiankid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Vehicle
    1989 Honda Accord LX 5-speed, 1995 BMW 525i 5-speed
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    4,929

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Quote Originally Posted by carotman
    I cleaned the hell out of the carb at the beggining of the week. I replaced the front filter in November and the back filter is about 2 years old.
    I wonder if those cleaners that you put in the tank could help a bit.
    I used those cleaners and it helped my MPG and smoothed out the idle. I also noticed the engine is a bit more responsive after the treatment.
    Sam


    1989 Accord LX: Sold with 208k-now somewhere around 230k with new owner

    Current:
    2014 Elantra Sport 6MT
    2000 Montero Sport 4x4 (beater, trail rig)

  18. #18
    LX User Xybris's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Vehicle
    1997 Honda Domani, 1968 Ford F-100
    Location
    Japan!
    Posts
    240

    Post Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    I had a similar problem a while ago and it turned out that the jets just needed to be cleaned.

  19. #19

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    I'll try the fuel cleaner soon.

    The engine also wants to shutdown when I brake hard and come to a stop

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  20. #20

    Ichiban's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Vehicle
    82 Honda Accord B20A, 76 Honda XL 175, 04 Honda Foreman ES, 83 Toyota shortbox 4x4
    Location
    North of You.
    Posts
    2,091

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    I'd yard that idle mixture screw right out and spray the shit out of it's hole with carb cleaner. If you can't see fluid pouring into the primary bore with the throttle opened while you are spraying with carb clean, the idle circuit is probably at fault. Motorbikes are notorious for this after having sat for awhile.
    ICHIBAN!
    "Now, even more better!"

  21. #21
    DX User
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Vehicle
    1986 Honda Accord
    Location
    Carrollton, GA
    Posts
    17

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Did you have figure this out yet?

  22. #22

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Nope.

    I got a complete intake manifold here (including carb and all the stuff). I'll end up swapping the whole thing and see if it still does it lol.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  23. #23

    2oodoor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Vehicle
    86 LX JDM B20A
    Location
    Georgia-lina
    Posts
    9,062

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    have you ever checked the egr, I dont remember if any body mentioned that . It would not explain your turning symptoms exactley but a bad egr gasket or stuck valve can mimick a vacuum leak at idle. Even if it is not connected ! You have made adjustments to compensate for a problem so any thing can be considered.
    Last edited by 2oodoor; 05-23-2007 at 03:03 PM.

  24. #24

    carotman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX/B20A | 87 Accord Hatch "S" Stock | 94 Civic Hatch CX
    Location
    Montreal South Shore
    Posts
    9,984

    Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    Hmm the EGR might not be 100% sealing but the valve itself is working. I applied vacuum to it and the engine wants to die at idle.

    I'll order a new EGR gasket in the process and clean that valve.

    http://pages.videotron.com/omus
    3geez member since July 12 2000

    I need these parts!
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67742

  25. #25
    DX User
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Vehicle
    1986 Honda Accord
    Location
    Carrollton, GA
    Posts
    17

    Wink Re: Idle problem (irregular) on my hatch.

    FYI,

    As may all ready know I have been experiencing Idle problems on my 86 accord. I have been trying to figure out what could be causing it. I have narrowed the majority of the problem down to a fuel problem. I changed both fuel filters and the one in the back was so dirty that it was amazing the thing ran.

    However, it still didn't run right. So I pulled the fuel pump out and notice that the screen on the bottom of the pickup was completely stopped up. It's a square screen that sits basiclly directly on the bottom of the tank collecting all kinds of junk in these older tanks. I drained the tank (they have a drain plug) and put a new fuel pump screen on it and that made it run 100 times better. It still is a little rough but still allot smoother than before on idle and running.

    This may be part of your problem. If you start the car and it runs at cold it could be because after the car sits for a while the sediment falls away from the screen and after its been running for awhile it starts to build up and clogs it bad enough to make it run bad. still ran rough. Just a thought.

    I think that when people suggest that you change you fuel filter they should also suggest that you change this fuel pump screen as well because you probably won't notice a big change with just a new filter as the volume can't exist to with poor flow.

    Also, I noticed that when the screen is replaced that the swoosh sound that you hear when you unscrew the gas cap is alot less intense than before. I think that if you here a big swoosh that it's because the fuel pump is pumping more pressure than normally required. So maybe to much swoosh could be a indicator of a clogged fuel pump screen.

Similar Threads

  1. accord lxi idle problem and start problem
    By sonusa in forum EFI Tech
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 08-21-2006, 09:05 PM
  2. Idle Problem
    By VTEC_Inside in forum Carburetor Tech
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 11-27-2005, 06:08 PM
  3. Hatch Problem
    By WingedFire in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-01-2003, 11:25 AM
  4. Idle Problem
    By Janiel in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 01-10-2003, 07:18 AM
  5. A/c problem and idle
    By damackz in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 08-12-2002, 02:52 AM

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
This website uses cookies
We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
     
Links monetized by VigLink