the_egg

So, if you haven't read my other 2 threads about this monstrosity, my '92 Civic is being, shall we say, bad. Somewhat slow response to the gas pedal, I've gotten used to its quirks until recently.

It started with an overheating issue, which I still haven't been able to locate the cause of, but hasn't popped up lately, so I've shrugged that off for now. That said, it's now an issue of moderate to severe shaking while stopped, a consistent smell of coolant (sometimes there's a slight puff of white smoke from the block), and what I can only describe as the feeling of a lawnmower when stepping on the gas after being stopped for more than a few minutes. It's not really lag, but it feels/sounds like a massive timing issue, which shouldn't be happening considering my local Honda dealership/shop adjusted the timing less than 2 months ago. The lag/shaking disappear after 10 MPH+. I had to fill up with regular instead of the usual mid-grade ($ issues), but I'd be surprised if that caused the shaking issue. Thermostat was recently replaced (although the pipe leading from the therm was bone-dry when I replaced it), and fuel filter is also on the list.

Edit: forgot to mention it usually idles at 500-600, regardless of the fuel type.

corbocivicferio

vacuum leak? mine was doin that and it ended up being the intake mani gasket..

Former User

The loss of coolant allows introduction of air into the cooling system. This air discombobulates signals from the ECT sensor to the ECU. These signals are used to determine proper idle speed. Even more important, the loss of coolant will lead to overheating, which will quickly destroy the engine.

It's time to hunker down and pinpoint the cause of the coolant loss. Where on the block did the white puff of smoke come from? Is there also white smoke in the exhaust?

the_egg

Not 100% positive where the smoke was coming from, since it only happens briefly after sitting at a stop, but it did come from under the hood. Exhaust is decently clean, and the coolant has been staying full for the time being, but a new radiator & fuel filter are on the shopping list. Just waiting on an unemployment check to come so I can take it into the local Honda shop. Anything I should specifically ask for test-wise?

Former User

Pressure testing the cooling system should help pinpoint the leak.

the_egg

Copy that.

On a completely un-related (and noobish) note, should I be concerned about a set of new front axles that I bought through Pep Boys where one is almost the entire width of the car? I've known the guy that I bought them from for a while, but even though I haven't installed them yet, the passenger side axle just seems a tad too long...

Former User

The driver's side axle should be longer than the passenger side axle. Do you have them reversed? Size it up to the current axle and if it's obviously a different size, return it.