Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
ignition related problems.

I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
module). I have done this several times.

I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
thermostat.

My question is:

Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the coolant
temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)

HELP!

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

I don't see a correlation between low engine temperature and ignition
problems. If the car is running cold all the time then depending on the
temperature this may cause things to act differently than they would at a
correct operating temperature.

As far as "hotness" of spark I don't believe the voltage/amperage is
variable as far as output goes. What determines the voltage/amperage at the
spark plug tip is fuel mixture, compression of air in cylinder, cap and
rotor condition, cable condition, plug gap etc. I believe when it is time
to fire a plug the ignition coil just unleashes whatever is needed up to its
design limits. If you have low compression, a rich fuel mixture and a small
plug gap then it would not take much energy to jump the gap of the plug. If
you have a big gap, lean fuel mixture and a highly compressed air space then
it would take more energy to jump the gap. The ignition coil/ignitor
wouldn't die prematurely without some inherent defect.

I am not sure about the Honda setup but the Ford ignition modules require
heat sink paste on them to help dissipate heat. If this isn't installed
correctly it will shortly overheat and cause problems like you have
described, eventually failing altogether.

If somebody in this group doesn't have an answer for you I would check with
the Honda service manual and possibly attempt to run some codes on the
problem.

CaptainKrunch


"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net> wrote in message
news:vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com...
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

I don't see a correlation between low engine temperature and ignition
problems. If the car is running cold all the time then depending on the
temperature this may cause things to act differently than they would at a
correct operating temperature.

As far as "hotness" of spark I don't believe the voltage/amperage is
variable as far as output goes. What determines the voltage/amperage at the
spark plug tip is fuel mixture, compression of air in cylinder, cap and
rotor condition, cable condition, plug gap etc. I believe when it is time
to fire a plug the ignition coil just unleashes whatever is needed up to its
design limits. If you have low compression, a rich fuel mixture and a small
plug gap then it would not take much energy to jump the gap of the plug. If
you have a big gap, lean fuel mixture and a highly compressed air space then
it would take more energy to jump the gap. The ignition coil/ignitor
wouldn't die prematurely without some inherent defect.

I am not sure about the Honda setup but the Ford ignition modules require
heat sink paste on them to help dissipate heat. If this isn't installed
correctly it will shortly overheat and cause problems like you have
described, eventually failing altogether.

If somebody in this group doesn't have an answer for you I would check with
the Honda service manual and possibly attempt to run some codes on the
problem.

CaptainKrunch


"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net> wrote in message
news:vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com...
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

I don't see a correlation between low engine temperature and ignition
problems. If the car is running cold all the time then depending on the
temperature this may cause things to act differently than they would at a
correct operating temperature.

As far as "hotness" of spark I don't believe the voltage/amperage is
variable as far as output goes. What determines the voltage/amperage at the
spark plug tip is fuel mixture, compression of air in cylinder, cap and
rotor condition, cable condition, plug gap etc. I believe when it is time
to fire a plug the ignition coil just unleashes whatever is needed up to its
design limits. If you have low compression, a rich fuel mixture and a small
plug gap then it would not take much energy to jump the gap of the plug. If
you have a big gap, lean fuel mixture and a highly compressed air space then
it would take more energy to jump the gap. The ignition coil/ignitor
wouldn't die prematurely without some inherent defect.

I am not sure about the Honda setup but the Ford ignition modules require
heat sink paste on them to help dissipate heat. If this isn't installed
correctly it will shortly overheat and cause problems like you have
described, eventually failing altogether.

If somebody in this group doesn't have an answer for you I would check with
the Honda service manual and possibly attempt to run some codes on the
problem.

CaptainKrunch


"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net> wrote in message
news:vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com...
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

I don't see a correlation between low engine temperature and ignition
problems. If the car is running cold all the time then depending on the
temperature this may cause things to act differently than they would at a
correct operating temperature.

As far as "hotness" of spark I don't believe the voltage/amperage is
variable as far as output goes. What determines the voltage/amperage at the
spark plug tip is fuel mixture, compression of air in cylinder, cap and
rotor condition, cable condition, plug gap etc. I believe when it is time
to fire a plug the ignition coil just unleashes whatever is needed up to its
design limits. If you have low compression, a rich fuel mixture and a small
plug gap then it would not take much energy to jump the gap of the plug. If
you have a big gap, lean fuel mixture and a highly compressed air space then
it would take more energy to jump the gap. The ignition coil/ignitor
wouldn't die prematurely without some inherent defect.

I am not sure about the Honda setup but the Ford ignition modules require
heat sink paste on them to help dissipate heat. If this isn't installed
correctly it will shortly overheat and cause problems like you have
described, eventually failing altogether.

If somebody in this group doesn't have an answer for you I would check with
the Honda service manual and possibly attempt to run some codes on the
problem.

CaptainKrunch


"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net> wrote in message
news:vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com...
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

In article <vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com>, "Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
wrote:

> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

I don't believe that replacing the thermostat will have any effect on
problems related to the ignition module. There could be another problem
related to the electirical system that is causing the ignition module to
wear out so quickly. It's hard to guess as to what it might be. I suggest
that you do a complete tune-up. If you don't have the proper testing
equipment--I suggest that you have the tune-up done by your favorite
mechanic or at the local Honda dealership. The mechanic will hook it up to
a very expensive computerized testing instrument and may be able to
determine the source of your problem. You should tell the mechanic about
your specific problem prior to tune-up.

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

In article <vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com>, "Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
wrote:

> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

I don't believe that replacing the thermostat will have any effect on
problems related to the ignition module. There could be another problem
related to the electirical system that is causing the ignition module to
wear out so quickly. It's hard to guess as to what it might be. I suggest
that you do a complete tune-up. If you don't have the proper testing
equipment--I suggest that you have the tune-up done by your favorite
mechanic or at the local Honda dealership. The mechanic will hook it up to
a very expensive computerized testing instrument and may be able to
determine the source of your problem. You should tell the mechanic about
your specific problem prior to tune-up.

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

In article <vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com>, "Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
wrote:

> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

I don't believe that replacing the thermostat will have any effect on
problems related to the ignition module. There could be another problem
related to the electirical system that is causing the ignition module to
wear out so quickly. It's hard to guess as to what it might be. I suggest
that you do a complete tune-up. If you don't have the proper testing
equipment--I suggest that you have the tune-up done by your favorite
mechanic or at the local Honda dealership. The mechanic will hook it up to
a very expensive computerized testing instrument and may be able to
determine the source of your problem. You should tell the mechanic about
your specific problem prior to tune-up.

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

In article <vu8o18207g4o57@corp.supernews.com>, "Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
wrote:

> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

I don't believe that replacing the thermostat will have any effect on
problems related to the ignition module. There could be another problem
related to the electirical system that is causing the ignition module to
wear out so quickly. It's hard to guess as to what it might be. I suggest
that you do a complete tune-up. If you don't have the proper testing
equipment--I suggest that you have the tune-up done by your favorite
mechanic or at the local Honda dealership. The mechanic will hook it up to
a very expensive computerized testing instrument and may be able to
determine the source of your problem. You should tell the mechanic about
your specific problem prior to tune-up.

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Coolant a quart low will make temperature appear to be
cooler as engine is overheating. Fuel injection system must
know correct engine temperature to properly adjust fuel
mixture. If engine temperature is hot and coolant appears
cooler, then FI system has been observed to cause a cool
engine to repeatedly surge and a warm engine to run rough -
both while in idle. Why? FI system is only responding
according to its inputs - because of a coolant shortage.

How do you know engine is cool? Only from temp gauge on
dash? Not good enough. What is the temperature of water by
actually measuring inside radiator. A difference can exist
between these two reading.

Why, for gads sakes, were you wildly replacing the ignition
module - and multiple times? If ignition module was bad, then
simple test equipment would have made that obvious up front
before wasting any money on new modules. If you don't
specifically know what the problem is, then first get a
responsible dealer or mechanic to, first, take some computer
readings. Bottom line - it will cost less. And demand that
printout so that you can also learn.

Honda wrote:
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during
> operation. The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded
> to get worse. I replaced the ignition module (the one in the
> distributor) and it fixed the problem (temporarily). About a month
> later, same thing (replaced another module). I have done this
> several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a
> bad thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the
> kinds of problems with the ignition I am decribing here?
> Theroetically, the coolant temperature switch doesn't get hot
> enough, maybe causing the ignition to deliver too hot of a spark
> all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Coolant a quart low will make temperature appear to be
cooler as engine is overheating. Fuel injection system must
know correct engine temperature to properly adjust fuel
mixture. If engine temperature is hot and coolant appears
cooler, then FI system has been observed to cause a cool
engine to repeatedly surge and a warm engine to run rough -
both while in idle. Why? FI system is only responding
according to its inputs - because of a coolant shortage.

How do you know engine is cool? Only from temp gauge on
dash? Not good enough. What is the temperature of water by
actually measuring inside radiator. A difference can exist
between these two reading.

Why, for gads sakes, were you wildly replacing the ignition
module - and multiple times? If ignition module was bad, then
simple test equipment would have made that obvious up front
before wasting any money on new modules. If you don't
specifically know what the problem is, then first get a
responsible dealer or mechanic to, first, take some computer
readings. Bottom line - it will cost less. And demand that
printout so that you can also learn.

Honda wrote:
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during
> operation. The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded
> to get worse. I replaced the ignition module (the one in the
> distributor) and it fixed the problem (temporarily). About a month
> later, same thing (replaced another module). I have done this
> several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a
> bad thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the
> kinds of problems with the ignition I am decribing here?
> Theroetically, the coolant temperature switch doesn't get hot
> enough, maybe causing the ignition to deliver too hot of a spark
> all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Coolant a quart low will make temperature appear to be
cooler as engine is overheating. Fuel injection system must
know correct engine temperature to properly adjust fuel
mixture. If engine temperature is hot and coolant appears
cooler, then FI system has been observed to cause a cool
engine to repeatedly surge and a warm engine to run rough -
both while in idle. Why? FI system is only responding
according to its inputs - because of a coolant shortage.

How do you know engine is cool? Only from temp gauge on
dash? Not good enough. What is the temperature of water by
actually measuring inside radiator. A difference can exist
between these two reading.

Why, for gads sakes, were you wildly replacing the ignition
module - and multiple times? If ignition module was bad, then
simple test equipment would have made that obvious up front
before wasting any money on new modules. If you don't
specifically know what the problem is, then first get a
responsible dealer or mechanic to, first, take some computer
readings. Bottom line - it will cost less. And demand that
printout so that you can also learn.

Honda wrote:
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during
> operation. The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded
> to get worse. I replaced the ignition module (the one in the
> distributor) and it fixed the problem (temporarily). About a month
> later, same thing (replaced another module). I have done this
> several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a
> bad thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the
> kinds of problems with the ignition I am decribing here?
> Theroetically, the coolant temperature switch doesn't get hot
> enough, maybe causing the ignition to deliver too hot of a spark
> all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Coolant a quart low will make temperature appear to be
cooler as engine is overheating. Fuel injection system must
know correct engine temperature to properly adjust fuel
mixture. If engine temperature is hot and coolant appears
cooler, then FI system has been observed to cause a cool
engine to repeatedly surge and a warm engine to run rough -
both while in idle. Why? FI system is only responding
according to its inputs - because of a coolant shortage.

How do you know engine is cool? Only from temp gauge on
dash? Not good enough. What is the temperature of water by
actually measuring inside radiator. A difference can exist
between these two reading.

Why, for gads sakes, were you wildly replacing the ignition
module - and multiple times? If ignition module was bad, then
simple test equipment would have made that obvious up front
before wasting any money on new modules. If you don't
specifically know what the problem is, then first get a
responsible dealer or mechanic to, first, take some computer
readings. Bottom line - it will cost less. And demand that
printout so that you can also learn.

Honda wrote:
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during
> operation. The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded
> to get worse. I replaced the ignition module (the one in the
> distributor) and it fixed the problem (temporarily). About a month
> later, same thing (replaced another module). I have done this
> several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a
> bad thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the
> kinds of problems with the ignition I am decribing here?
> Theroetically, the coolant temperature switch doesn't get hot
> enough, maybe causing the ignition to deliver too hot of a spark
> all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Loose distributor bearing (felt using fingers) may cause the sensors no
longer work properly. Because this signal must be consistent, missing a
signal or adding too many signals could cause a bad firing timing. Keep in
mind that this signal is again modified by the ECU. For example, an RPM
spiking is probaly an indication that a normal sqaure wave width has suddenly
shrunk then, afterwards, go back to normal. The technician scope can pick
this up.

I recommend looking at the distributor, ECU and it's pipeline. Replacing the
igniter is merely a patch to the real underlying problem. -The low temp is
just probably an open thermostat.
Indi

>"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>

Re: Bad Thermostat Causing Ignition Problems?
 

Loose distributor bearing (felt using fingers) may cause the sensors no
longer work properly. Because this signal must be consistent, missing a
signal or adding too many signals could cause a bad firing timing. Keep in
mind that this signal is again modified by the ECU. For example, an RPM
spiking is probaly an indication that a normal sqaure wave width has suddenly
shrunk then, afterwards, go back to normal. The technician scope can pick
this up.

I recommend looking at the distributor, ECU and it's pipeline. Replacing the
igniter is merely a patch to the real underlying problem. -The low temp is
just probably an open thermostat.
Indi

>"Honda" <tjc@charter2.net>
> I have a 1993 Honda Civic that recently started displaying some weird
> ignition related problems.
>
> I noticed that sometimes the tach ocaissionally spikes during operation.
> The car also started to run rough one day and proceeded to get worse. I
> replaced the ignition module (the one in the distributor) and it fixed the
> problem (temporarily). About a month later, same thing (replaced another
> module). I have done this several times.
>
> I noticed that the car is running cooler than usual, and suspect a bad
> thermostat.
>
> My question is:
>
> Can a bad thermostat causing a low coolant temperature cause the kinds of
> problems with the ignition I am decribing here? (Theroetically, the
coolant
> temperature switch doesn't get hot enough, maybe causing the ignition to
> deliver too hot of a spark all the time, causing it to die prematurely?)
>
> HELP!
>
>