1991 Honda Civic Acceleration Cutout

HONDA CIVIC
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LUKE1271
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I have a 1991 Honda Civic 1.5
I was going down the highway at about 50 and tried to accelerate to 65. When I push the accelerator the engine starts to accelerate but then cuts out if the pedal is pressed too hard. I can usually let off and then press it very slowly and i will eventually make it to the speed that i need. The check engine light is on all the time. And now to top it off I can't get it to start. the ignition will turn over but when it starts to fire it somehow gives up and dies. Then i get a very acrid gasoline smelling grey smoke from the exhaust. It sounds like an injector or fuel filter problem to me. Or some other form of clog in the fuel system.

I tried to jump the switch under the dashboard and get a code, there was no sound and no flashing lights.
Can you offer me any advice or assistance at all?

-Luke
Nov 16, 2006 at 7:42 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Two things that are key to an engine. Gas (which it appears you are getting) and spark. Check for spark at the plugs, a good blue spark.
Nov 16, 2006 at 12:13 PM
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LUKE1271
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here is a follow up question for you.
can a fuel clog cause my distributor to go bad?
Nov 17, 2006 at 2:37 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I don't see how. No...
Nov 17, 2006 at 3:03 AM
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LUKE1271
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ok how do i check the plugs for spark?
Nov 17, 2006 at 4:24 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Pull out one plug and insert it back in to the wire and hold the tip of the plug to ground or metal on the engine. Have a partner crank the car and watch the spark. Should have a blue spark. I think you will find spark but I would next check to see if the timing of the spart is close. Do yourself a favor and find the jumper again to read the codes. The check engine light should flash. The key should be in the start position during this.
Nov 17, 2006 at 10:06 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check for a strong blue spark at a spark plug while cranking, then verify that spark timing is close. Retrieve the check-engine codes with the diagnostic jumper and the key in the start position. A fuel restriction would not cause the distributor to fail.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Honda Civic reported that hard acceleration caused the engine to cut out, the check-engine light stayed on, and the car later cranked but would not stay running, producing grey smoke and a strong gasoline smell. The owner suspected a fuel-system restriction and could not retrieve codes. The expert advised checking for blue spark, then spark timing, and repeating the code-reading procedure with the key in the start position. The expert also said a fuel clog would not make the distributor fail.

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