Okay, not an accord, but the same engine as an accord from what I am told, and that is the problem area. Its a 1990 Acura Legend. Car is immaculate, like new condition, all original, VERY WELL maintained. 189,000 miles on it.

We've had the car for about 6 years, no problems whatsoever. In November/December the engine (original) had the smell of coolant. It was said to have a bad hose. All belts, hoses, etc were replaced. Still had the smell. Car ended up overheating and getting a rod knock according to the mechanic and we were advised to replace the engine with a low mileage engine from overseas. This was all done through an Independent Honda/Acura service center/specialist. Very good reputation. Again before this happened the car drove/ran like a dream.

Fast forward. Engine was installed. Drove for a few hundred miles IF that. Here is the problem.
After it's been driven a while and the engine is warm, (like 15-20miles) it suddenly starts hestitating when you step on the gas. It
doesn't go and then suddenly jumps. Then it almost dies when you slow
or
stop, and eventually does die when you slow to turn a corner or stop
completely. While I'm driving like on the freeway, when you step on the
accelerator, nothing happens for a few seconds, then it will suddenly
accelerate.
Also, we always smell coolant. They checked for leaks but could never
find any reason for the smell.

So far from looking at the receipts, here's what they replaced:

1st time: Fuel pump & fuel filter
2nd time: Intake manifold gasket, Map sensor
3rd time:. Replaced map sensor again, Reset ECU control
4th time: Replaced TDC sensor
5th time: Replaced ECU Unit, Knock sensor, fuel injection cushion, fuel
injector 0-ring, fuel injector seal

So there's everything on the invoices.
And it's no different than the first time we took it in. (After $3,000
for the engine and $400 for the fuel pump!)

All of this was done and it still does the exact same thing. So obviously it wasnt any of the parts that were replaced. The cars has been supposedly fixed after each thing mentioned, when it turned out it wasnt the car went back. Sometimes for weeks at a time. The last time it was in (all of the same problem) it was there for approx. 3 weeks. When we picked it up, we were told that if it is not fixed, to take it somewhere else/dealer because they havent a clue as to what it is. They said they have had 10 man hours on it and havent come up with anything. If the car has been in there for 3 weeks this time, why only 10 hours were spent on it. Again, the car has been back in there probably 6 times for this problem and everytime we get it back, it does the same thing. Not to mention being without a car for weeks at a time EACH time we take it back.

We dont know what to do. Does anyone here have any clue what the problem may be or any advice to offer?

Thanks in advance.



Modified by Mychal71 at 8:20 PM 6/24/2006

 

what is the engine code of your current engine and what computer does the car have in it right now.

 

How do I find what code and computer it has?
The other thing I want to make clear is that there were NO problems before the engine replacement, yet they keep saying that it has nothing to do with the engine, because it used all of our existing electrical components and accessories.

Thanks!

 

Look for a casting number on the block of the engine. It might be close to the transmission "bell-housing" (where tranny meets enging block). The casting number often times contains the engine code as part of it.

As far as your problem goes, did they look at the ignition timing very carefully? It is possible that if there is a problem with the mechanical advance timing curve (the way your ignition is set to "tighten up" at higher RPM's) may not be set correctly.

Basically with putting a new engine in, all bets are off. Any little thing can cause huge problems in performance.

I would also advise going to whoever sold you te enging and see what kind of information they may have on it (e.g. what it came out of, casting number, anything they can provide)

Good luck.

 

This is all from the same shop. We took the car in, they said it was best to replace the engine, so the got it, installed it etc. They would be the ones who know what it came from and any other info on it. This place specializes in Honda/Acura so that is what is so frustrating.

I'll check for the block numbers and report back. Are they easy to see or is there a bunch of stuff in the way? I am not familiar with import engines so I am not sure exactly where to look. I'll see if I can see anything around the top of where the tranny/engine meet up.

Thanks again!

 

Where are the casting numbers on the engine exactly? I looked, but maybe I am not looking in the right spot.

Thanks.

 

just to the left of the exhaust manifold right between the engine and transmission it should say something like F2_A_ (F22A1 or something like that)