Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 28

Thread: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

  1. #1
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Hi,

    I'm a newbie here and I'm REALLY glad to have finally found a forum that caters to 3rd gen accords - there's not much else out there.

    My girlfriend's brother gave her his 89 LX - manual shift/carb w/ 321,000 km's and it is in beautiful condition, extremely clean.

    I have changed and/or completed the following parts/work since she got the car:
    1. cap and rotor
    2. plugs and wires
    3. rear shocks (nothing to do with my problem
    4. carb clean
    5. check of vacuum hoses
    6. EGR check for vacuum leak
    7. Coil checked as per Haynes
    8. Thermostat

    The engine's idle is excellent. When the engine is cold (going down the road) I don't seem to have a hesitation but when it warms up after a few minutes it seems to get boggy and hesitate. If I really put my foot into the gas pedal it seems to go away somewhat. This problem has been present since we got the car.

    I did a search on the forum but could really use some advise here. I also read the sticky about NGK plugs and gapping to .035. I'm going to give that a shot this morning.

    Any information and/or help would greatly be appreciated. This is such a fantastic car and I want to ensure it's around for awhile!

    Many thanks,
    Rob
    Last edited by rrhodes; 04-11-2008 at 07:46 AM.



  2. #2
    DX User -=89 LX-I=-*A20A3*'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord LX-I 185,000+ and still strong!
    Location
    Boring little Council Bluffs...
    Posts
    15

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    are you running with your ac cuz if so thats part of it...
    -=18 And Still Running Strong=-
    -=BTW Anyone want to buy any Enkei 17's w/2 new tires?=-

  3. #3
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by -=89 LX-I=-*A20A3* View Post
    are you running with your ac cuz if so thats part of it...
    Hi,

    A/C is not turned on and the hesitation is more pronounced and more often than the pull when the A/C compressor is on.

    I changed over to NGK plugs and gapped them at .035 this afternoon. This made a slight change but the hesitation is still there. I'm actually wondering if the number four plug is crossed threaded. It was easy to put in at first but very quickly became difficult to screw in with my socket. I tried six ways to Sunday to get the plug to screw in without binding but it just wouldn't go. The plug is in but I'm not so sure it's in as far as the other plugs. This alone could be the hesitation issue.......

    Any feedback is really appreciated.

    Rob

  4. #4
    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: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by -=89 LX-I=-*A20A3* View Post
    are you running with your ac cuz if so thats part of it...
    A/C won't cause the car to hesitate...at least mine never does.
    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)

  5. #5
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
    A/C won't cause the car to hesitate...at least mine never does.
    I think there might be a slight power dip when the compressor kicks in but very light.

  6. #6
    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: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by rrhodes View Post
    I think there might be a slight power dip when the compressor kicks in but very light.
    It is noticeable, but I highly doubt your A/C will cause the symptoms you are experiencing not to mention you said it is off.
    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)

  7. #7
    3Geez Veteran BITESIZE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord DX Hatchbacik
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    6,458

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Oxygen sensor? Vacuum Advance Diaphram? Coil? Fuel Filter? Bad Fuel Pump? Bad main relay?

  8. #8
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    My car has done the same thing for years. My compression is low and it may be leaking at the carb base gasket. I have too check it really good on a nice day.

    Anyway, maybe something for you too look into. Also, It only hesitates at about 2000rpms. And runs lean after looking at the plugs a few times. Still think it's vaccum leak at carb base. Never looked at the Brake booster for leaks.
    Last edited by steveko; 04-11-2008 at 02:43 PM.

  9. #9
    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: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Come to think of it, mine would hesitate when my fuel pump was going out.
    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)

  10. #10
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by BITESIZE View Post
    Oxygen sensor? Vacuum Advance Diaphram? Coil? Fuel Filter? Bad Fuel Pump? Bad main relay?
    I forgot to mention that I replaced the fuel filters and I also checked the coil(it passed the multimeter tests for resistance).

    I have a vacuum pump and checked the VAD - I did not detect a bad diaphram. Also, regarding the main relay - this is a new one for me. Where is it and how do I test it? Also, is there a test for the O2 sensor?

    Quote Originally Posted by steveko View Post
    My car has done the same thing for years. My compression is low and it may be leaking at the carb base gasket. I have too check it really good on a nice day.

    Anyway, maybe something for you too look into. Also, It only hesitates at about 2000rpms. And runs lean after looking at the plugs a few times. Still think it's vaccum leak at carb base. Never looked at the Brake booster for leaks.
    I sprayed starter fluid around the base of the carb and did not detect a leak. I have not checked my compression yet.

    Rob

  11. #11
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    I have too change my thermostat today.I think after that I'll check all the vaccum sources while I'm at it.

    I think I remember reading that lack of vaccum too the powervalve causes hesitation. I think it was by A20A1. Also, look into the vaccum secondaries check that source of vaccum too.
    Last edited by steveko; 04-12-2008 at 09:31 AM.

  12. #12
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by steveko View Post
    I have too change my thermostat today.I think after that I'll check all the vaccum sources while I'm at it.

    I think I remember reading that lack of vaccum too the powervalve causes hesitation. I think it was by A20A1. Also, look into the vaccum secondaries check that source of vaccum too.
    Thanks for the information. I p/u a bottle of "Seafoam" and used it in the carb, vacuum line from the brake booster and the last 3rd in the gas tank. One word "Wow". What a huge smoke so I'm glad I was outside. I immediately noted a marked difference after a good long haul down the highway. That is REALLY good stuff.

    I will still be checking for other potential vac issues as per this thread.

    Speaking of thermostats - I have noted that ever since I changed the thermostat, the temp needle does not go up to halfway anymore and I was sure that it did prior to the thermostat going bad. Where does the needle sit on average when the engine is fully warmed?

    Rob

  13. #13
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    My car sits at about 8'Oclock if 9 is the halfway point best I can describe it for now.

    It's funny that russiankid mentioned the fuel pump I still have too check the fuel output in cc's for a given time. The pressure is low according too the gauge I used. And it's a OEM Honda part replaced 2years ago.Fuel pressure is still the same as the original unit. I don't get it .

    Well at least I put the new thermostat in. And checked vaccum secondary vac was about 7''hg when at full throttle no load on the motor. Just a momentary flooring of the throttle. Also the power valve vaccum at idle is 20''hg.

  14. #14
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by steveko View Post
    My car sits at about 8'Oclock if 9 is the halfway point best I can describe it for now.

    It's funny that russiankid mentioned the fuel pump I still have too check the fuel output in cc's for a given time. The pressure is low according too the gauge I used. And it's a OEM Honda part replaced 2years ago.Fuel pressure is still the same as the original unit. I don't get it .

    Well at least I put the new thermostat in. And checked vaccum secondary vac was about 7''hg when at full throttle no load on the motor. Just a momentary flooring of the throttle. Also the power valve vaccum at idle is 20''hg.
    Thanks for the information. My temp needle sits at 8 o'clock when warm so that's good.

    Q: I noted that whenever I removed the gas cap I would get a rush of air from the tank. I thought maybe the cap vent wasn't working so I replaced it with a new cap but I'm still having the same problem.

    Is this normal or is there perhaps a vent tube that's plugged somewhere which might be preventing full fuel flow to the engine and in turn causing the hesitation under load??

  15. #15
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    That's normal from what I understand.Also,the fuel pressure from what I read is supposed to be between 2.6 to 3.3 psi.

    Did you get a chance too check you're compression?
    Last edited by steveko; 04-14-2008 at 02:44 PM.

  16. #16
    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Vehicle
    89 LX-i(5speed)
    Location
    Bay Area
    Posts
    22,201

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    i noticed that my hesitation stop after i changed both fuel filters

    1989 Honda Accord LX-i
    B18c1 swap since 7/2011
    175whp and 132tq
    Redzone tuned

  17. #17
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by steveko View Post
    That's normal from what I understand.Also,the fuel pressure from what I read is supposed to be between 2.6 to 3.3 psi.

    Did you get a chance too check you're compression?
    I don't have access to a compression tester "yet" but I'm working on it.

    I did the "Throttle Controller Adjusting" test and the adjusting screw had to be turned in a few turns to meet the correct values of the test - it seemed to make a difference and I'm wondering if I shouldn't turn it in a little more.

    Also, I ran Seafoam through the carb and vacuum booster hose again yesterday. I'm getting a lot of white smoke in the engine compartment which seems to be coming from under the carb. The white smoke is only supposed to come out the exhaust. I think this might be indicating a vac leak at the carb gasket.

    Despite the hesitation issue I check the fuel mileage after fill-up yesterday. I'm getting 28 mpg combined. Not bad for an engine that has 322,000 km's on it!

    Quote Originally Posted by MessyHonda View Post
    i noticed that my hesitation stop after i changed both fuel filters
    They have both been changed. I only wish that would have solved the problem!

  18. #18
    LX User evil88accordLX's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Vehicle
    gold 88 accord lx
    Location
    NWA (not the rap group)
    Posts
    435

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by rrhodes View Post
    Q: I noted that whenever I removed the gas cap I would get a rush of air from the tank. I thought maybe the cap vent wasn't working so I replaced it with a new cap but I'm still having the same problem.

    Is this normal or is there perhaps a vent tube that's plugged somewhere which might be preventing full fuel flow to the engine and in turn causing the hesitation under load??
    fuel tank is supposed to be pressurized. the air rushing you experience is pressure release. all cars do that, and on newer cars if your cap isnt on or not tightened all the way, your check engine light will come on.

  19. #19
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Dam computer.
    Last edited by steveko; 04-15-2008 at 08:19 PM.

  20. #20
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Let me see now.
    Last edited by steveko; 04-15-2008 at 08:18 PM.

  21. #21
    LX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Vehicle
    1988 Accord LX 5spd
    Posts
    198

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Could possibly be a leak under the base gasket. Seafoam in the brake booster vaccum hose never tried that one.

    I Heard that a light oil around the base helps with location of the leak or leaks.
    Last edited by steveko; 04-15-2008 at 08:20 PM.

  22. #22
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by steveko View Post
    Could possibly be a leak under the base gasket. Seafoam in the brake booster vaccum hose never tried that one.

    I Heard that a light oil around the base helps with location of the leak or leaks.
    I have to say that the Seafoam is definately making a difference. Today I put a 3rd of the can in crankcase. My thinking is that if I do have a lot of crap buildup around the valves and they are not seating properly this could could cause a compression issue which could be part of my problem.

    I'm going on a little road trip down the highway for about an hour tomorrow and from what I felt today already I'm thinking things are getting better. I'll be reporting back on Thursday.

    Rob

  23. #23

    Dr_Snooz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord LX-i
    Location
    Fresno, California
    Posts
    10,638

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    I've been watching this thread for days thinking the whole time that this was a crap gas issue. Use good gas, like Chevron 91, and you'll avoid sooooo many strange and wonderful problems. You won't need to use Seafoam either. I know everyone speaks well of it, but I don't trust anything that is that violent.

    If you're worried about deposits in the crankcase, use a high quality synthetic oil like Mobil1. The deposits will clear out slowly, which I think is a lot better for the car.

    Just my two cents.
    Dr_Snooz

    "I like to take hammers, and just break stuff, just break stuff." - Beavis


    1989 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe, 240k miles, MT swap, rear disc swap

    Shop manual downloads available here: CLICK TO VIEW

  24. #24
    DX User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    Quote Originally Posted by Dr_Snooz View Post
    I've been watching this thread for days thinking the whole time that this was a crap gas issue. Use good gas, like Chevron 91, and you'll avoid sooooo many strange and wonderful problems. You won't need to use Seafoam either. I know everyone speaks well of it, but I don't trust anything that is that violent.

    If you're worried about deposits in the crankcase, use a high quality synthetic oil like Mobil1. The deposits will clear out slowly, which I think is a lot better for the car.

    Just my two cents.
    I'm back from a road trip. I really think that the hesitation (which is getting a bit better) is something to do with the carb. When I notice the hesitation say in 3rd at about 2800 rpm - if I really put my foot into the pedal the hesitation goes away and there is lots of upper end smooth power.

    I won't claim to understand the carb in this car but I'm thinking that there might be some sort of fuel circuit that is worn out and when you really step on the gas another circuit cuts in that is not having the same problem - maybe I just need to do a rebuild - does this sound crazy?

    Are rebuilds difficult to do? Also, is it hard to remove the carb. I have access to other carbs on 3rd gen Accords.

    Rob

  25. #25
    DX User Kagato's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord DX Coupe
    Posts
    40

    Re: 89 LX - Hesitation and Boggy Under Load

    I'm having the same problem, only it happens only in second gear, and started after i hit redline in 1st and threw her into second. im always breakin shit it seems....

Similar Threads

  1. Load testing an Alternator
    By nswst8 in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-11-2008, 02:58 PM
  2. Stutter / Hesitation under load, help!
    By Catalyst in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-12-2008, 03:46 PM
  3. Misfire under load...
    By Jasonf860 in forum Carburetor Tech
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 04-11-2007, 03:59 AM
  4. Boggy and low power (mixture?)
    By FyreDaug in forum Carburetor Tech
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-18-2005, 01:54 PM
  5. Alternator Rattles W/ Load
    By xbi0s in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-22-2003, 05:05 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