runs like crap - no codes - no clue FIXED 6/27
jb2wheels
Wagonist
Hi - I'm new to FI Hondas and need a clue - please help if you can.
I bought a 90 DX 2WD 5sp wagon last week. It needed a thermostat replacement and AC work but is generally a decent ride for $600. No rust - gotta love TX. Ran like crap during the test drive but I figured it was overheating related.
Anyway, I replaced the thermostat and bled the cooling system and it still runs like crap. I'm pretty sure it's a bad fuel pump or regulator. What do you think?
symptoms:
- crappy idle (low and rough)
- no power
- won't rev much beyond 3k
- pops/bucks/spits on acceleration
- no codes on ECU LED
work done:
- thermostat/cooling bleed
- compression checked good - all near 190 PSI
- plugs/wires look good but not brand new
- tried different distributor - same symptoms
- tried different brown injector - no change
- new fuel filter - no change
- new starter (changed for unrelated mistake) - no change
- fuel pressure - 42 PSI when I started this afternoon, but after running for a while, fuel pressure was close to 0 on two different gages. I tried pinching the return line. This caused pressure to rise to about 15 PSI before engine died. Started right back up.
- full tank of premium with added injector cleaner
Here's what I think - as fuel pump heats up, it craps itself. But I have no idea why pinching the return line cause pressure increase unless regulator is bad. What do you think is wrong?
A hopefully unrelated question - is the main relay only a "no start" cause or would it cause drivability issues like this?
Is there a good DPFI troubleshooting site?
Thanks for your help - I love this car - a Honda with headroom!
I bought a 90 DX 2WD 5sp wagon last week. It needed a thermostat replacement and AC work but is generally a decent ride for $600. No rust - gotta love TX. Ran like crap during the test drive but I figured it was overheating related.
Anyway, I replaced the thermostat and bled the cooling system and it still runs like crap. I'm pretty sure it's a bad fuel pump or regulator. What do you think?
symptoms:
- crappy idle (low and rough)
- no power
- won't rev much beyond 3k
- pops/bucks/spits on acceleration
- no codes on ECU LED
work done:
- thermostat/cooling bleed
- compression checked good - all near 190 PSI
- plugs/wires look good but not brand new
- tried different distributor - same symptoms
- tried different brown injector - no change
- new fuel filter - no change
- new starter (changed for unrelated mistake) - no change
- fuel pressure - 42 PSI when I started this afternoon, but after running for a while, fuel pressure was close to 0 on two different gages. I tried pinching the return line. This caused pressure to rise to about 15 PSI before engine died. Started right back up.
- full tank of premium with added injector cleaner
Here's what I think - as fuel pump heats up, it craps itself. But I have no idea why pinching the return line cause pressure increase unless regulator is bad. What do you think is wrong?
A hopefully unrelated question - is the main relay only a "no start" cause or would it cause drivability issues like this?
Is there a good DPFI troubleshooting site?
Thanks for your help - I love this car - a Honda with headroom!
Comments
- checked fuel pressure "cold" = 32 PSI, but climbs to 42 PSI if I pinch the return line
- change regulator - no symptom change
- change main relay - no symptom change
- change MAP sensor - no symptom change
- change green injector - no symptom change
- let car run for a while the ncheck fuel pressure = 2 PSI, yes 2 PSI, how is this thing even running? then pinch return line and climbs to about 18 PSI
- all this and still no codes
I tried to check the timing but I can't see any marks on my pulley.
I'm about 99% sure I have a bad fuel pump. Any comments?
- JB
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbullet ... ostcount=6
from this thread:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t902547.html
Sounds exactly like my car's symptoms. Plus, the previous owner said somethign about a new water pump.
It's free to check that for me...
Was the wgn running OK when you bought it?
Car ran poorly when I bought it. It needed a thermostat and was overheating so I took a chance on it. I figured it was running bad due to overtemp and might even need a head gasket.
Before I buy a pump, I'm going to reset the timing belt. Sometime in the next few days.
PO mentioned a new water pump, but I generally take that with a grain of salt. He was telling the truth. WP and TB are new, but whoever did the work should be embarrassed.
I got everything lined up and it actually runs pretty good. It will be a great beater.