88 Accord LXi 5 SPD RPM gague erratic

88ACCORD

MEMBER
1988 HONDA ACCORD

Hi - I have an 88 Accord LXi hatch 306k miles. After at least 16 trouble free months, the RPM gague started to bounce around every few seconds. I did start to notice the car also began to have a slight hesitation while driving, but it's slight and has been random. Problem just started two days ago. Took car to dealer today and they said it COULD be the distributor since the mechanic said there was some indication of something loose in mine and that part alone is around $900. They said the car probably won't just stop while I'm driving, but it's possible that it may just not start at some point. Any thoughts? And is it worth repairing and trying to squeeze one more year out of the car? Any ideas on perhaps finding the part elsewhere for less? Thanks for your help.

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

It is possible that the dist is failing. The part should run you about $25 to $50 if you search the internet for used parts. Try www. Car-part. Com as a starting point and work from there. They will find your part and give you a multitude of options. Check prices, check locations as one could be near to you and check the type of car it comes out of. The dist could work or come from cars of other vintage. Often they tell the mileage, condition, etc. I recommendation is to NOT buy new parts for the car.