Strong steering vibration, missing badly and engine vibration at lights?

Tiny
ENKIWELLS
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
The car listed above is a LX model, with a carburetor.

Second owner, for two years.
Car presented with strong steering vibration, missing badly, and engine vibration at lights.

Full tune, suspension, alignment, exhaust system, and front mounts.

Car runs, less strong steering vibration, engine " hesitates" more than miss, and engine vibration still there.

Also, occasionally a faint gas smell, no visible leaks.

I suspect vacuum leak, a bad float? And transmission mounts?
Thanks,
Humbly so
Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 7:42 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep, I was going to suggest the transmission mount, also is the engine smooth at idle? If not, I would install new spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor and check for a vacuum leak.

This guide can help but please run this test with the engine cold:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Also install a new fuel filter and air filter. Let me know how it goes.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
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Season greetings.
Thanks for the swift reply.
I have already done as you have suggested, except for the tranny mounts

The drivability is somewhere between slight hesitation and missing; I shift into neutral at long lights, to minimize the engine vibration.

I am more of a part replacer than mechanic, so I truly appreciate this opportunity.

As for the vacuum, I'm "guessing" either at the carb base mount, or maybe at the intake manifold?
Thanks
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
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This is for Ken L.

I'm reading your other posts, and man what an education!

I can tell your top dog, who enjoys what he's doing.
Balance shaft?

Wow is that the same as a harmonic balancer?

I think I can find the culprit through your posts

I live in lake county Illinois (Chicago north suburbs)

That you can recommend?

Peace
KP

Is there anyone?
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
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That should read " any shop" that u recommend, who would remember what a crab is
KP
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
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Carburetor!
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:11 PM
Tiny
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Ken,

Ken here also!
When my 88 accord was shipped to me from the TX dealership (bought online! - Yeah, I know)
There were several unused cans of refrigerant.

Ken, I read your informative position about: 1. Over charging and loose parts/bearing

2. " Balance shaft belt.
3. Valve adjustment (needed).
All capable of causing engine vibration.

Being about a million dollars short of a millionaire, what is then next most logical progression, if it isn't transmission mounts?

Thanks.

KP
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Ok
1 "mo", and this is beyond me:

The car strains until it kicks into gear, around 55mph, and on a straight way, is fun to drive.
How likely is it that a torque converter, or cracked flex plate, be a problem

KP
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,363 POSTS
Yes, these can be a problem, can you upload a short video of what the car is doing please? This will help us fix it. Is the tune up okay? Good spark plugs, wires etc?
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Friday, November 18th, 2022 AT 3:26 PM

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