George2012

Hello members of honda-tech, I have an 89 Accord lx carbuerated (ugh!) wish it was lx-i, but still it only has 80k mile on it! and is in quite good cond., Auto Tran. I am having fuel pump problems (or so I think).

Here are the symptoms:

I have replaced both fuel filters. While accelerating uphill the engine stutters and bucks pretty bad and I end up losing speed. This happens more often when I reach a 1/4 of a tank of gas or less so I try to keep it above a 1/2 tank. Also it can be quite difficult to start on occasion with cold weather not even starting at all. Also, it randomly stalls (not all the time only about once a week or so) when accelerating or stopping quickly, but luckily has cranked up again each time.

I just want to make sure it is a fuel pump going out and should I replace it? I would like to do it myself but I am not sure if the 89 accord fuel pump can be accessed from the trunk or rear seat, if not go ahead and tell me now that I'll have to drop the tank.

Once again the 22 year old honda only has 80,000 miles on it and has been well taken care of. I just want to make sure if this is what I need to check next and give me any advice and tips please.

HondaAccordDrew

I know it's been about two months since you have posted on this forum, and since you have not said whether or not you have figured out this problem yet, I will help you out. I have this EXACT same car. Model and all. They are amazing vehicles when they're working right. And I have had very few issues with mine. A few minor repairs, carburetor rebuild, and an alternator. I have never not had this car start for me. So with that said, the fuel pump can be accessed without removing the fuel tank. Under the carpet in the trunk by the rear seats, there are these circular looking plugs (pretty large) that have been sealed off. If it's determined if you need a pump, you'll need to remove the seals and pull the plugs out to remove the pump. I will provide via e-mail a fully detailed genuine repair manual from Honda that will help you with this and every other issue you may have with this car. But in order to diagnose if it's the fuel pump (or if it's something with the Carb there are a few things you can do to test how much fuel the pump is delivering to Carburetor. Private Message me with your e-mail and I will email the manual in PDF format. Yes, it's virus free, but you can check it if you'd like.

jjordan18

Could I get a copy of that PDF as well? This sounds exactly like my problem. This could be the fix! So, do you recommend OEM pumps or....???

89_accord

I don't really know a lot about about carbs. but If you need a service manual you can get it here: http://3geez.wiki-tv.com/Honda_service_manuals

turbocarlab

Ive got the same car with the same problem, an 89 accord lx carb model. Everything has been changed... both fuel filters, plugs, wires, cap and rotor... any ideas on how to check the carb? or fuel pump or dist? The car stutters only under a heavy load. when out of gear it revs up fine?? I actually would mind rebuilding the carb if its not too hard regardless. but what part inside is the bad part?

Lost Again

Have you checked for any codes? The ECU is under the drivers seat.....view from the back of the seat, there is a plastic window that has to be pulled down, turn the key to "on".....see if the led flashes....an old guy taught me a thing or two about these many years ago.

89_accord

That's only on the FI models not the carb ones.

jjordan18

Yep. The fuel pump is accessed from the back seat being folded down. It is right under the carpet. I replaced mine within 15 minutes. There was an aftermarket one that tested ok (with a resistance (ohms) tester), but I replaced it with an OEM I found at a junk yard. I have heard the OEM are much better pumps.
I have also replaced the plugs, plug-wires, and distro-cap. I also cleaned the carb from the outside with a good carb cleaner (NOT brake cleaner) and ran a tank of Sea Foam.
It is running GREAT now!!! I love this car!!!

PS - I did buy an accelerator pump replacement for the carb, but waited to see if I could fix the issue without pulling the carb. I am glad I waited!

Oh ya, I also found a vacuum hose that was leaking. Make sure ALL of the hoses are connected and in good working order.

poorman212

This works on ALL 3rd gens. I've owned an 86 DX and 87 LX in addition to the ones I still have.

kp

OP has 1 post and hasn't returned to follow up, he's not coming back.

poorman212

Yes but for the record to be clear. ALL 3rd gens have an ECU under the seat that will store codes.....DX, LX or LXi.

89_accord

I know for sure that the LXI has its own OBD system cause I own one but the carb. models, are you sure?

poorman212

Yes, I AM SURE. I've owned three 3rd gen carb'd (86DX, 87LX)......and still have one in the driveway....the 89 LX

HondaAccordDrew

I have an 89 LX carbed. It's running like sh*t and I can't figure it out. How do you get the codes out of the computer? The only thing under my seats is solenoid control unit, power window unitl, cruise control unit, and a power locks unit... so I am not sure if I even have one that can pull codes. Any help is appreciated.

George2012

Nice to see my thread born again its been a year and I've had this fuel pump dilemma dealt with long ago still have the old honda too

Gilbert45s

As for questioning if the fuel pump is good, you should check fuel pressure and find out if it meets specs if not replace it. Ps. Im having trouble finding my fuel pump relay. Ive already checked the comp it says its under the driver side dash, I looked very hard and could not find it. If somone could please give me a detailed location or possuble a pic it would be much appreciated. Btw its a 87 honda accord fi lxi 2.0l sohc