82 Accord Hatchback Stall/ Power issue

[nickziemann]

Hello everyone,
I just purchased an '82 Accord hatchback this evening. I knew it would need some tlc when I bought it, but on the way home it stalled out a few times.....mostly when braking and at stops.
Also there were a few modest hills on the way home, and it just had no power. I had to drop down to 30mph and go into far too low of a gear.

It had receipts for a new carburator, full tune up, fuel filter (just one though), battery.

It starts well and I dont think its a carb adjustment issue.
Could it be a vacuum issue? And how would I go about checking backpressure?
The car only has 150k on it, and it doesnt feel like a severe issue. But hard to tell

I noticed that it purrs quite nicely stationary, but when I turn on the blower motor, headlights etc....the idle severely drops. I tested the battery and got a 12.5 reading. Could this be an alternator issue?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Nicholas

[2ndGenGuy]

The load issue on the electrical system can be caused by the main fuses that come off of the battery. They're those metal strips that have screw holes on both ends. They tend to wear out over time and they corrode and deteriorate. Then you simply touch it and it turns to dust. I recommend replacing those for sure.

As far as the power issue, I would say that it's probably your timing. The car doesn't smoke does it? That could indicate internal engine wear, but it shouldn't cause THAT huge of a power loss.

Is it manual or automatic?

[nickziemann]

Yeah, Ill definately go an put a new fuse in.

It isnt pushing out any smoke, but it does smell rather strongly of fuel.
A mechanic friend just suggested the option of it being a clogged cat converter. Thoughts?

I was gonna do a compression test on it, but Im thinking its either timing or a clogged exhaust at this point. But my knowledge is rather modest here.

Thanks again!

[2ndGenGuy]

Smells strongly of fuel? Do you mean the exhaust smells like it's rich possibly? Or does it smell of fuel in the engine bay? Rich exhaust might be a result of the cat not burning off excess stuff. Due to cloggedness. Might as well just take it out and unclog it with a screwdriver and see what happens.

I'd definitely go for the timing first. My 84, I never could set the timing on it because the flywheel was so caked in oil. I just set it by ear. Then when I put my new flywheel in, I was able to time it properly, and HOLY CRAP the power I recovered was pretty amazing.

[nickziemann]

really? That could very likely be it. What is the best way to time it? my distributor is relatively clean. (sorry for asking an elementary question).

It smells like its running really rich, not in the engine bay.

thanks!

[nickziemann]

Ive noticed that theres a opening on top of the valve cover, the rear driver side of it, and it appears as if its supposed to have a hose attached to it. Is this a breather hose? It sprays a small amount of oil from it each time i drive, but Im not sure if im missing something here or not. any help would be great. thanks!

[Rendon LX-i]

thats the pvc system and your going to see oil there. you can always make a catch can with a tube and problem sloved. But you get alot of oil im thinking you have a Ring problem

[2ndGenGuy]

Yeah that vent should have a tube that goes to a little white plastic cup on the bottom of your air cleaner.

As far as setting your timing there is a viewer down in the little hole between the engine and transmission and you will see the timing marks on the flywheel or flex plate if it's automatic.