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1992 Honda Accord engine lacks power on normal accelaration

Tiny
HUBER_JR
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 300,400 MILES
I realize the car has lots of miles on it, but it still seems to run ok. The car actually has several problems. First, the car feels like it is pulling a trailler unless I press gas fully down, then acceleration is fine. The car at idle smells like it is running rich and there is carbon build up on the rear bumper.(Check engine light comes on occationally) It's like the car is running rich.
Second problem is there is a vibration between 40-50 miles an hour that disappears when clutch is pushed in. I think it is engine related.(Car has recently been tuned up(didn't help) I thought it also could be the driver side CV joint. Replaced it and still has vibration. Let me know if you have any suggestions. I may just get rid of the car. Look forward to hearing from you.

Tom
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 AT 10:43 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Tom,

Did you try to retrieve the code for the CEL shwing intermittently?
When there is lack of power, does the engine seem as if it is misfiring? Is it related to the vibration?
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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
HUBER_JR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have not relieved the code. But the "check engine light" goes out(resets when ignition is turned off and back on)
There is no misfire. Occationally there is a bad hesistation as well. Basically, the car bogs down, like it is not getting fuel, unless you completely press down gas petal, then it will accelerate fine. Could the vehicle be in a "limp home mode"?
I will try to clear all codes. I will also balance the tires to rule that out as the vibration problem. Thanks for the reply.
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If it is in limp mode, no matter how hard you accelerate, it would not go beyond a certain speed.

Before clearing the codes, check what is recorded. If it is tires out of balance, it would vibrate at a certain speed with or without the cluth being engaged.

Hesitation could be due to spark plugs, cables, distributor, fule filter or pump.
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
HUBER_JR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and pump are relatively new. The car accelerates ok when gas pedal is full depressed, so I guess limp mode is out. The car runs rich all the time. It smells like unburnt gas, especially at idle. There is lots of carbon around the tailpipe and bumper. I will try to get the codes read tomorrow or Monday.
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Was any repairs carried out prior to this happening?

Did you check the ignition timing?
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Friday, February 20th, 2009 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
HUBER_JR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No repair that I can think of. I noticed the car would have a short period of hesistation(like it wasn't getting gas unless gas pedal was fully depressed) This usually occurred for 2-3 miles then would go away. I thought it was a sticky injector. It seemed to be better when I added Lucus injector cleaner to the gas. The car started to smell more and more like it was running rich and just starting to lack smooth acceleration.(Almost like the car is loaded down with weight)the car also occasionally bucks a little. I did a tune-up and replaced the injectors(the injectors were used but good)I noticed very little change. I will check the timing. It seems to have more power when the motor is cold. Would a throttle position sensor or a coolant temp sensor malfunction cause the car to run rich? The car is old with a boat load of miles, so I'm wondering if I should throw in the towel.(It does have blow-by) I just hate to get beat at fixing a problem.
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Friday, February 20th, 2009 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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A faulty TPS would cause the rich running and hesitation but the ECT is more likely to cause dificult starting.

Hesitation usually are caused by bad spark plugs and wires, more on ignition rather than fuel.
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Friday, February 20th, 2009 AT 12:57 PM

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