1983 Honda Accord Engine Dies While Driving

224,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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MACY_MALONE
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  • 9 POSTS
My engine dies once and a while while driving. It doesn't stall out completely as I wait for a second and hit the gas and it kicks back in.
The engine completely died a couple of days ago and I replaced the fuel pump with an OEM one.
It started fine and ran well but now, every once and a while the RPMs drop to zero, the engine basically dies and then kick back in.
What could the problem be?
May 6, 2010 at 3:54 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi macy_malone,

Thank you for the donation.

If the problem occurs only when slowing down or stopped, the likely cause would be the idling system malfunctioning. The cause would be from the carburettor.

What is the idling speed afte engine has warmed up?
Does engine idle smoothly?
May 6, 2010 at 9:36 AM
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MACY_MALONE
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  • 9 POSTS
The problem actually happens on acceleration and during a fixed speed. My idle speed is around 800 - 900 rpm.
The engine idles very smoothly.
Like I said, it happened before when I knew my fuel pump was going out and I replaced that but now it's happening again (infrequently but still happens).
May 6, 2010 at 10:01 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hesitation during acceleration wold be caused by the acceleration pump not working correctly.
Start engiine and run till the auto chole opens fully.
Stop engine.
Remove the air cleaner.
Slowly open the throttle and watch if the accelerating pump is spraying correctly. If not, the pump requires serviceing/repair.

If the problem occurs at high speed and tends to bog down, check the fuel level from the sight glass.

Rev the engine trying to use as much gas as possible and note if the level drops drastically, if yes, the mini filter above the float needle valve is clogged.

If it is not fuel related, check the distributor cap, wires,( especially the coil wire) and rotors.
May 7, 2010 at 8:57 AM
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