1985 Honda Accord vacum or timing problem?

129,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BRED
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very rough idle after choke is kicked off. replaced fuel filter , plugs, all old ones were carbon fouled,. engine runs at high idle,too fast when first started 2500-3000 rpm can kick off and idle at 1500, kick off again and will struggle badly but continue to run, barely.no apparent leaks around carb base plate, using carb spray as detector. when trying to check timing w/gun
manuel says to disconnect vacum at distibutor, have two lines at distrib. advance and retard, plug lines and reconnect? how do you plug a vac line and reconnect?I have been using small bolts to plug line. So the vac advance at distrib. are open. If this happens supposedly the advance or retard will actvate giving inaccurate timing.So again how to plug then reconnect lines? Also engine is idling so far below 750 rpm which is normal idle at operating temp, how can I get a good reading? And to top it off I cant see the timing marks on cam pulley cause I cant see the cam pulley from top engine. Is marks even on cam pulley? I tried adjusting distrib. with engine in park and idleing, just too see if anything changed and nothing changed. I wonder if this means that I dont have timing peoblem? OK, So Next is vacum leak! Miles of vacum hose on this thing.So how do I go about diag. a vacum leak? After I determine If it is or isnt a timing problem? All started when idle started racing to 3000 at start but then would warm and idle normal, some time ago. Problem has progressed to this. Help!!!! Sorry ? is so long just trying to give all info for best answer. Help!!!!
Jul 9, 2008 at 3:16 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi bred,

What manual are you reading? Honda engines do not need to disturb distributor vacumn while adjusting ignition timing.

Timing mark is on flywheel, service hole found just below head near distributor, it is blocked by the power steering hose bracket.

Is this a JDM model and with CVCC ? Programmed carb with solenoid control unit under seat?

Is the float level correct?

Auto choke fully opened when operating temp reached?

Single or twin carb?
Jul 10, 2008 at 1:15 AM
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BRED
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Hey KHLow,
Thanks for the help. I refer to a Chiltons Manual if I get stumped. However, it covers 4 models over 15 yrs. and can leave me with more ?s than answers. So, i do not disconnect any vacum lines to check timing? Do i need to remove cover to see marks. Model is a keihin 3bbl., how to tell if it is a Jdm CVCC model? There is no apparent solenoid under seat. And distibutor is on the right side of block and pulleys on left/drivers side.OH, you said flywheel,gotcha. Chiltons claimed it was on cam pulley.Yes float levels were good in both windows.
Only one carb.
How to tell if auto choke is fully opened?
thanks a ton KHLow 2008. Hope to hear from you soon.
Jul 10, 2008 at 6:09 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi Bred,

No, don't remove the distributor vacumn lines while adjusting the ignition timing.

There should be a rubber cover if it is still there, you will see a small hole, indent on the engine block.

If single carb with two float windows, it is CVCC model. There should be 4 small valves with spring assy apart from the 8 intake and 4 exhaust valves.

Remove air filter and wire mesh on top of carb, the automatic choke is the valve on top, it should be fully open when operating temp is reached. It is electrically operated, check for power supply to it.
Jul 11, 2008 at 1:30 AM
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