mgharter

I have an '89 Accord DX that was running fine up until about a week ago. It will start fine in the morning, but after running for about 5 minutes it will die when coming to a stop. Then it is very difficult to get it back started. Thought it might be a fuel filter problem, but there is an electrical component to the problem as well because when it dies, I get it to the side of the road and put on the hazards. The radio will be working fine as I'm cranking, but the hazards won't come on for a few minutes. When they finally do, I know the car will probably start (with difficulty) after giving it plenty of gas. But then the whole process will start over within about 2-3 minutes. Do not want to spend much $ on tracking down the problem, especially after reading some similar posts on other forums. One guy was almost sure it was a small tube in the gas tank that dries out if the tank is less than half full. I've filled the tank and still having the same problems. Can anyone help? Ignition switch?

quickster

maybe the idle control screw needs to be adjusted to run higher.

quickster

Your idle control valve may be bad or it might be unplugged too.

poorman212

89 DX means we have a carb. Are you good with a volt meter?

If so there are a few tests that need to be done. Are you up to this? And if you don't mind, I'd rather continue this on the other site you posted this question on....this one isn't too friendly to 3rd gen questions being posted here.

mgharter

I will be trying the idle adjust screw. Hope that's it. I will keep you informed.

poorman212

Ok, I'll try this on two different forums....I strongly suggest not playing with the idle screw. You have a carb NOT a FI engine. I don't think "quickster" understood that when the suggestion was given.

When the car dies, can you confirm the lack of fuel, too much fuel or a lack of spark? In your other post you state you are not good with a volt meter but you are willing to adjust an idle screw on a 3rd gen carb?

When the car re-starts-is there black smoke from the tail pipe? What is the fuel level in the carb-sight glass on left/drivers side of the carb? Remove the top of the air cleaner, start the car, look into the throat of the carb-use a flashlight- thru the screen, can or do you see drops of gas?

I want to help, need more info and help from you to be able to do so.......I have pretty good info/knowledge of 3rd gen carb'd Accords.

EDIT2: Also, have you checked for stored codes in the ECU-under the drivers seat-view from the rear.

Todd Peter Howa

Carb. base plate is rubber. They crack and cause vacum leaks. Spray some carb cleaner at it while running. If rpms increase then you have a vacum leak inspect the base plate /gasket and on the firewall side of carb inspect the vacum lines attached to bottom of carb. common problems. good luck

poorman212

Todd, most of the "reason" for your edit got cut off, would like to know the rest. My personal experience, on the back side of the carb-firewall- the #7 vac line "burns" thru (sticks are easy to describe, auto's a bit harder). Now that thing (#7 vac line, base of carb) is a PIA to change but a pair or long pliers and a bit of time it can be changed. The "efe" grid is hard plastic, just picking...lol

If the OP would come back with a little more info, help might be directed better by others....