So I recently swapped my old mini me setup for a DOHC ZC. Since Day 1, I have not been able to get this thing running right. When I first got it running, it threw a code 1, had the boggyness etc. you might expect from a bad O2 sensor. Well I replaced the sensor and cleared the code, and for a while it seemed like it ran ok, but it just was lacking the power it should have. Now the boggyness and lack of power have slowly gotten worse, to the point where it struggles up hills, etc. I've noticed that when its cold it runs a lot better then once it warms up.. also it runs a lot hotter than "normal", gets horrible gas milage, I'd say probably 12 mpg on a good day. I know the cam timing is on, but for some reason I can't get the ignition timing right, advanced or retarded it still backfires through the intake sometimes. NOT throwing any codes at all.
Things I've checked/replaced include..
-Spark plugs, wires
-Replaced dizzy with known good one, no change
-Pulled head, no cracks, not warped
-Replaced timing belt with new one (88 Prelude 2.0si belt)
-170-180 compression in all 4 cyl
One thing, the motor came with a cheap underdrive pulley, and it only has one timing mark. Obviously this makes timing a little more difficult, but I'm positive the cam timing was perfect. So, any suggestions?

(Sorry for the novel)


Modified by White91EF at 12:05 AM 5/23/2007


Modified by White91EF at 12:06 AM 5/23/2007

 

try an 88 prelude si timing belt, which is the one you should be using.

and get a stock crank pulley. and try again

 

Correction..I have an 89 Integra head gasket, and an 88 Prelude timing belt, sorry..

 

couple of questions for you:

1) Does it sound like it's running on all 4 cylinders? (ie smooth not lopey or spastic)

2) What ECU are you running?

 

Yes it is for sure running on all four cyl. It idles and revs really smooth, just slower than sh*t... and I am running a PM6 ECU, I've already tried replacing it with my friend's PG7 and I didn't really notice much of a difference.

 

i just changed my ecu for a pg7, i had the stock pm6, my car doesnt idle right i think it s the iacv and or the fitv, the only thing i've noticed it change was the rev limit to 7, like its suppose to

 

The backfiring makes me think something with your timing is wrong. Are you sure you have the correct firing order? When you pulled the head how did the combustino chambers look (as far as being full of carbon). Have you hooked a vac. gauge to the motor and see what kind of vacume you are running?

 

your camshaft timing is not correct - the intake camshaft is off by at least one tooth

 

There wasn't really any carbon build up at all.. the motor only has about 4000 miles on it since it was rebuilt. The head is going back on tomorrow I will get a new crank pulley at the junkyard, time it and see what happens.

 

Yeah I agree check your camshaft timing again. I have heard of this happening before on people's ZCs.