When I can get it to start, it revs to 3,000 RPMs then stalls out every time?

1988 HONDA ACCORD
230,000 MILES • 4 CYL • MANUAL
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BIGBLACKBOI9
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I recently bought a new carburetor for it and i replaced all my vacuum lines. So basically, every time i try to start the car it will just crank but there's fuel going into the carburetor. So, i changed the sparked plugs but it's still doing the same thing. The only way I'll get it to turn on is with starter fluid or i put gas into the carburetor. When it does it revs to 3,000 RPMs then stalls out every time.
Jan 23, 2023 at 3:56 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

It sounds like there isn't enough fuel getting to the carburetor. If it is extremely low, it will create a lean fuel mixture and can affect the idle speed.

Are you certain there is enough fuel getting to the carburetor? Did the old carburetor do the same thing? Is the mechanical choke properly adjusted? Does the throttle plate fully return to being closed?

Let me know,

Joe
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:24 AM
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BIGBLACKBOI9
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Yes, so i just checked if there's any fuel in the carburetor. But it turned out it was dry. I don't know why. Every time i take out the fuel line and crank the car fuel comes out.
Jan 23, 2023 at 10:38 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Okay, there is a needle and seat in the transmission that the float rides on and opens and closes. If that is stuck closed, you won't get fuel into the float bowl.

Take the plastic side of a screwdriver and gently tap the side of the carburetor where the fuel supply enters. See if the carburetor will take fuel then.

Also, you indicated there is fuel available when you disconnect the carburetor. Are you sure there is enough fuel or enough pressure?

If there was no fuel in it and even low pressure is present, the needle is likely stuck closed.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Jan 23, 2023 at 11:49 AM
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BIGBLACKBOI9
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I checked the pressure, and it was 2.6. The car has been sitting for a couple of years now and i recently put only 1 gallon of gas. Thats the most I've put in it so. Could it be that?
Jan 23, 2023 at 1:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

Was there fuel in it prior to adding a gallon?

The idea that the float bowl on the carb was empty, something is preventing the fuel from entering the carb. If you told me there was no fuel coming from the fuel supply when you disconnected it from the carb, then I would suspect there is no fuel to the engine. But you said there was fuel, so the only thing left is the needle and seat. That is what allows fuel in and what stops the fuel from entering.

If you look below, I highlighted the needle and seat. If you take the top of the carburetor off, you will see where the float is attached. As fuel enters the carb, the float raises and presses on the needle and seat. Once it reaches a specific height, the needle seats, and no more fuel enters the carburetor.

What I would do is remove the top of the carburetor and see if it is stuck. Let the fuel supply attached and check if the fuel is allowed to enter the carb with the float hanging down.

Let me know. Also, you may want to consider adding fuel. A gallon is not much. Also, if you left the 2-year-old fuel in it, that can cause it to run poorly if at all.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Jan 24, 2023 at 5:03 AM
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BIGBLACKBOI9
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I figured out what was wrong. Right where the carburetor and fuel line meet there is a screw, and that screw allows fuel in. But it was closed so that's what caused it.
Jan 24, 2023 at 6:28 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Is it running properly now? Also, what screw are you referring to? Do you see it in the pic I attached above?

Let me know.

Joe
Jan 24, 2023 at 8:08 AM
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BIGBLACKBOI9
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Yes, it is running good now. As to the picture i see where it was but it's not indicated on the picture.
Jan 24, 2023 at 9:47 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

I'm glad to hear it's running good. And again, thanks for the update.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You are always welcome.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:23 AM
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