"Steve-88-Honda-Accord via CarKB.com" <u32059@uwe> wrote in
news:6e6a2154c40fd@uwe:

> Tegger wrote:
>
>>Does it gradually lose revs as it warms up? Or does it stay way up
>>there then all of a sudden drop down to normal hot idle?
>
> It's tough to tell since it happens as I am driving, but it seems like
> it is gradual.



This important. Check carefully. If it's gradual, then your choke is OK.


>
>
>>With all the checks and adjustments, I would strongly suggest you
>>invest in a Helm manual. Either directly from www.helminc.com or from
>>eBay.
>
> Great. All I have is a Haynes manual and it is not very detailed. The
> Helm will be more detailed?



Oh, yes. Worth every penny, and more.



>
>
>>Your interior heater operates by stealing heated coolant from the
>>engine and routing it through the passenger compartment. If the
>>thermostat is stuck open, the engine will run way cool, Your heater
>>will be weak and the choke will try to stay partly-closed.
>
> If I am not mistaken replacing the thermostat is not a difficult job
> and not expensive for the part. Am I right about that?



Yes. Use an OEM thermostat only. It's about $30.


>
>
>>
>>When it "dumps" the coolant, does it do so by spewing it through the
>>overflow bottle? You may want to get a pressure check to confirm you
>>don't have a blown head gasket.
>>
> Yes it would apprear it is through the overflow bottle,, since it is
> full. But there is no sign of the cap coming off or any holes it the
> bottle.
>



Try replacng the rad cap. The pressure seal spring may just be weak. Use
an OEM cap, too. That's also about $30.

You should replace the rad cap every few years as a matter of course.
It's a "consumable". Every time you boil the coolant, you risk severe
engine damage.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

 

"Steve-88-Honda-Accord via CarKB.com" <u32059@uwe> wrote in
news:6e6a2a3d41115@uwe:

> Jim Yanik wrote:
>
>>
>>I wonder if the previous owner had an overheat problem,perhaps after
>>having blown a head gasket? That would explain the coolant
>>"dumps":Leaking combustion gasses pressurizing the coolant and forcing
>>it out the expansion tank.
>>What started it was probably a bad thermostat.(use OEM Honda TS only.)
>>
>>Maybe that's why he sold it;he didn't want to spring for a headgasket
>>replacement,especially if the head warped.
>>
>
> Thanks. Seems like a good hypothesis. If it is a head gasket, how
> much anm I looking at to fix it?

I don't know.Others here might know.
It would depend on if the head is warped or not.

> What are the consequences of driving
> around with a blown head gasket?

Losing all your coolant. warping your cylinder head.
possibly damaging your radiator from overpressure.

> I can probably do the thermostat
> myself.
>

yes,it's not hard. Use a Honda TS,not any aftermarket brand.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

 

"Steve-88-Honda-Accord wrote:
>
> Thank you. That sounds like a great option if Itseems like cleaning the
> card is the way to go. Any ideasa how much it costs and how long of an
> operation it is?
>

I haven't priced these kits in years. I really don't know what Honda is
asking for them now. You could call around to one of your local dealers and
you could also check http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com however you may
have to give them a call since I haven't been able to find the kit when
searching through their part listings. How long does it take? An
experienced tech should be able to get it done in about an hour give or take
a bit. If it's your first time, give yourself a few hours time in a well
ventilated garage with a fan on for fresh air.

Eric

 

UPDATE

Well today the car started to rev up to 2k and beyond. Later in the day as I
was on my way to get gas (the tank was near empty), I had it in neutral at a
stop light with the engine idling at about 2 K and it just cut off. It would
not restart. Pushed it to the side of the road and went to the gas station
across the street, hoping it was just out of gas. Put in a gallon, still
would not start. Put in another gallon, it did start but in Park or Neutral
revs up to 2.5k and about 1.5 k in drive.

Well, I'll be taking it in to my mechanic tomorrow. Any preditctions on what
he will tell me the problem is? Any way I can help him narrow it down to the
most likely culprit and hopefully save myself some money? Thanks for all
the replies here. You guys have been very helpful. Peace!

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200703/1

 

UPDATE

Well today the car started to rev up to 2k and beyond. Later in the day as I
was on my way to get gas (the tank was near empty), I had it in neutral at a
stop light with the engine idling at about 2 K and it just cut off. It would
not restart. Pushed it to the side of the road and went to the gas station
across the street, hoping it was just out of gas. Put in a gallon, still
would not start. Put in another gallon, it did start but in Park or Neutral
revs up to 2.5k and about 1.5 k in drive.

Well, I'll be taking it in to my mechanic tomorrow. Any preditctions on what
he will tell me the problem is? Any way I can help him narrow it down to the
most likely culprit and hopefully save myself some money? Thanks for all
the replies here. You guys have been very helpful. Peace!

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200703/1

 

I am curious as to what your mechanic said. My daughter also has an 88 Honda
Accord with what sounds like the same issues. In fact her car is sitting
because she is affraid the car will stall in the middle of a busy place with
her daughter in the car (not so good). We took the car to a mechanic and he
was not able to locate a problem as sometimes the car runs just fine. But
since then she has had a couple more incidents and is just too anxious to
drive it. So before we take it to another mechanic we would like to hear what
happened with yours.

Thanks in advance.
Chris

Steve-88-Honda-Accord wrote:
>UPDATE
>
>Well today the car started to rev up to 2k and beyond. Later in the day as I
>was on my way to get gas (the tank was near empty), I had it in neutral at a
>stop light with the engine idling at about 2 K and it just cut off. It would
>not restart. Pushed it to the side of the road and went to the gas station
>across the street, hoping it was just out of gas. Put in a gallon, still
>would not start. Put in another gallon, it did start but in Park or Neutral
>revs up to 2.5k and about 1.5 k in drive.
>
>Well, I'll be taking it in to my mechanic tomorrow. Any preditctions on what
>he will tell me the problem is? Any way I can help him narrow it down to the
>most likely culprit and hopefully save myself some money? Thanks for all
>the replies here. You guys have been very helpful. Peace!

 

The problem was an electrical fault with the high idle switch on the carb.
He had to remove it and put a b new one on--not easy because it was not
attched with regular screws but really attached to the carb, But my mechanic
is great so he figured it out and saved the cost of a whole new or used carb.
Only cost me 150.00 but that was a sweet deal betcha it will cost more
elsewhere.

ChrisPritchard wrote:
>I am curious as to what your mechanic said. My daughter also has an 88 Honda
>Accord with what sounds like the same issues. In fact her car is sitting
>because she is affraid the car will stall in the middle of a busy place with
>her daughter in the car (not so good). We took the car to a mechanic and he
>was not able to locate a problem as sometimes the car runs just fine. But
>since then she has had a couple more incidents and is just too anxious to
>drive it. So before we take it to another mechanic we would like to hear what
>happened with yours.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>Chris
>
>>UPDATE
>>
>[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>>most likely culprit and hopefully save myself some money? Thanks for all
>>the replies here. You guys have been very helpful. Peace!

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200703/1