Buy Now | Log In | ALLDATA Corporate Site | AutoZone.com
Back To Home Page
Log In To Your Subscription
Go To ALLDATA Back Home
Buy A Subscription! Back Home About ALLDATA Information View Sample Vehicles Read Testimonials Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us
Dowload Our Navigation Chart

Sign Up To Receive ALLDATAdiy.com Alerts

Click Here to receive regular product updates, special offers, and automotive news.

2012 Subaru Now Available May 2013: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Fiat!
• View New Vehicles
2012 Subaru Now Available December 2012: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Chevy & GMC!
• View New Vehicles
View All News and Updates:
• Go To News
Tech Tips
  Read All Tech Tips

ALLDATA Tech Articles Are Updated Weekly
• View All Tech Articles

  Dodge Durango: Brake Pulsation Problems In Paul's Durango
• Read Dodge Article
 
Fixing A Smelly Audi Audi Tech Tip: A4 begins to Smell caused by a Faulty Hose Composition
• Read Audi Article
Why Do You Need To Change Your Timing Belt? Why Replace Your Timing Belt
• Read Belt Article
Jim Grant Tech Tips Jim Grant Tech Tips
A collection of helpful articles based on reader submissions
Home >> Featured Tech Articles >> Go Back
   
  Jim Grant's Tech TipsJim Grant's Tech Tips
Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
 
 

Miscellaneous
Acura
Audi
Buick
Cadillac
Chevy
Chrysler

Dodge/Plymouth
Ford
GMC
Geo
Hyundai
Honda
Isuzu

Jeep
Lexus
Lincoln - Mercury
Mazda
Mercedes
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Oldsmobile
Pontiac
Saturn
Subaru
Toyota
Volkswagen
 
   
  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'89 Accord LX, Rough Running/Misfire

Q: I've had my '89 Honda Accord LX for six months now and I've spent a great deal on trying to locate a problem with a constant misfire. I've changed all ignition parts including the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, coil, and igniter. I've also cleaned the carburetor and changed the air filter and PCV valve, adjusted the valves and timing belt. The problem is that I can not properly time it since the mark on the flywheel seems to jump around. It won't stay still like it should. I've got it set to a margin on the mark settings but there is obviously something wrong. I'm looking towards an intake vacuum leak or a distributor fault. What are some ways to detect a fault without special tools? I'm sick of spending money on needless parts. It's getting to be a headache. This miss is also noticeable throughout the driving range.

- Ben

A: If the ignition timing is jumping around so badly that you have to assume average you may have just found the problem. I would suggest a close inspection of the distributor. Remove the distributor cap and grab the rotor and see what type of movement can be found. There will be rotational movement due to the mechanical advance, but there should be very little side to side play. If nothing seems out of place then remove the distributor and inspect the distributor drive and the bearing in the lower part of the distributor housing. Make sure the pin that locks the coupler and the coupler (the part that engages the cam) is not worn or loose. I have to trust when you say the timing belt is installed correctly that the tension is right. If there is a loose or worn distributor component it can create a variety of driveability problems. Stabilize the ignition timing and you'll likely have a better running engine.

 
     
Have any Questions About ALLDATAdiy.com? Please Email Us
Buy Now | Log In | About | Sample Vehicles | Testimonials | Join Affiliate Program