1996 Honda Civic consistent fouled plugs =\

B18_CIVIC

MEMBER
1996 HONDA CIVIC

Engine Performance problem
1996 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

hi guys
jus have a quick question, here goes..i have a civic EJ coupe with a stock b18 transplant. it works well with a few minor issues which r expected due to the age of the car but i enjoy maintaining and drivin it =)
what i wanted to kno... is there any manual way to manipulate the fuel mixture or is that strictly ecu activity?

- i constantly have fouled plugs
- i smell strong gas odours from my exhaust
- my a/f gauge constantly reads rich
- i pink when my ac runs (think thats offset timing)
- worst of all i have very poor gas milage =\

im not a professional mechanic but i have strong interest in learning to troubleshoot and repair my honda.
I would make a donation but i dont have a credit card and i live in Barbados so mailing isnt practical.
however i would appreciate any advise given
Thanks Guys

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi b18_Civic,

Fouling of spark plugs are usually due to excessive oil getting into the cylinders and it could be due to bad valve seals.

Air fuel mixture are controlled by the ECM based on data received from various sensors and one of the way to modify the setting is via a piggy back controller. I do not have much details on that so you would bneed to do additional research to know which type to use.
Since everything is stock standard, the rich engine running condition could be due to
1. Throttle position sensor out of adjustment or faulty.
2. Bad fuel injectors or pressure regulator.
3. Clogged air filter.
4. Ignition timing out of specs.
5. Valve timing out of specs.
6. Faulty MAP sensor.

Does the Check Engine Lamp illuminate while driving?

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Saturday, February 21st, 2009 AT 7:26 AM

B18_CIVIC

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well it does rarely when I go deep in the rpm. And reads 2 error codes #17 & #14

17 VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) defective circuit or unplugged / defective sensor

14 IAC Valve (Idle Air Control) defective circuit or unplugged / defective sensor

I dont suspect they have any relation to my rich fuel mixture problem.

And thank you for your advise thus far it is much appreciated.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 6:21 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The VSS and EACV though not directly controlling the fuel metering stiil are possible causes as the ECM has to substitute values for their missing signals and this can cause rich running.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 12:29 PM