Slamminmofo2k7

this just started recently... The car runs fine when cold for about 10-15 minutes, and then when at normal operating temperature, it starts getting sluggish, stuttering, etc... At lights it sounds lke its missing and you can see the headlights dim a bt while the tach goes down then jumps a bit.

I've read similar issues but not one really told what was causing it. Has anybody experienced this? Car is well maintained, not beat.

New wires and plugs about 1 year ago (still not ruling this out). new cap and roto about 3 years ago... I still want to take a peek at them again. o2 was replaced about 3 years ago also but can still be that I suppose.

No white smoke from exhaust (would prob eliminate head gasket) and lots of exhaust coming out of pipe (would prob eliminate clogged cat)

Any suggestions?

shoklid

does turning lights on or heater make it worse? if so maybe alternator or charging system failure somewhere

Slamminmofo2k7

No, not that I noticed.... Everything runs fine until the engine is warmed (10-15 minutes after driving). I believe the lights dim because the rpm drop so low when the car starts acting up.

tommyboy4

I have the exact same problem. It seems to idle down to a stall.

Slamminmofo2k7

Mine hasnlt stalled (yet) but it sure comes close at times.... I may change the o2 today to a spare one I have and see what happens.

Does anybody know if its possible to have no CEL on OBDI with a bad O2?

Former User

Yes, an O2 sensor can be bad without a CEL. Unplug the O2 sensor to see if the problem goes away. If so, the O2 sensor is likely bad.

Slamminmofo2k7

ok... a little update.... I changed the o2 back to the original oem Honda o2... the car ran somewhat better but eventually started the same stuff (but it seemed not as bad)....

I started lookeing at different things under the hood... took off thr dist cap and there was a pile of rustyl colored dirt or soot in there. Cleaned it out with a chemical and put it back on. tried to start the car, and it did a backfire type sound. I dont think I let the cleaner dry as long as I should have and I took the cap back off and notices the coil post was loose and it broke right off when I touched it..

Now, is it hard to change that or should I just buy a whole new distributor since mine is original (1993 ex)??

Former User

The red dust is a clear sign that the distributor bearing is shot. Replacing the distributor is straightforward -- remove three bolts, unplug connector and plug wires. You should check the ignition timing when done.

Slamminmofo2k7

Thanks for the input Ron... so, does my original issue describe that the distributor may have been going? Ran ok when cool (slight miss here and there) but when warm, run like crap and bog down a bit? Can somewhat babied and never beat

Former User

My recommendation is that you replace the entire distributor. My guess is that this will solve the original problem.

Slamminmofo2k7

Thanks Ron... Also, what distributor would I need? 1993 EX. Is that a TD-42U? Any reputable places I should be looking at to buy?

Slamminmofo2k7

OK... replacement distributor came in.. I put it on, reconnected all wires and no start (yet). I only tried twice.. one was a slight backfire. Now, what I am wondering... i have read where the dizzy can only go in one way, correct? I mean, the shaft of the dizzy (or key) cannot go in upside down (180 degrees off), could it? I just want to make sure before I go nuts over this.

Slamminmofo2k7

UPDATE - Got it running this morning... So far so good. Took it for a long ride and no stall after it reached normal operating temp. So if anybody h ad the same symptoms, def check your distributor.