PROBLEM:
Erratic idle, running rich, stalls when I attempt to drive…. not drivable. Fluctuates from 700-900 RPMs every 1 second.

CAR:
2000 Acura Integra GSR Manual (90,000 miles) completely stock, no mods.


BACKGROUND:
I was initially spraying a little oil out from my exhaust and having to add a quart of oil every 500 hundred miles. Had a feeling it was the exhaust valve seals but did a compression test anyway and got. 180, 190, 195, 210. A valve dropped (my fault) because I forgot to turn the crank prior to pulling out an exhaust valve stem seal.

Due to money constraints I decided to do a half-rebuild (top end only).

-Replaced head gasket with an OEM (3-layred) Integra head gasket.
-Had head redone by machine shop, all valve seals replaced, valve adjustment as well.
-180 PSI exactly on all four cylinders when cold, 210 PSIs exactly when normal operating temperature.
-Reused timing belt, tensioner, water pump as they all looked fine visually.
-Replace intake manifold gasket. Made sure the surface was clean on head and intake manifold before replacing.

RESULTS OF TESTS DONE A FEW DAYS AGO:
1. Car stalls when I cover up upper port in throttle...happens when car is cold and normal operating temperature (fan is on)
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00041.flv

2. Car stalls when I unplug the IAC valve when motor is cold and normal operating temperature
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00040.flv

3. RPM fluctuates on cold start
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00035.flv

4. Black smoke from exhaust whether car is cold or warm
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00036.flv

5. Red mark on timing fluctuates back and forth slightly but is pretty much lined up
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00038.flv

6. Almost stalls when I rev in neutral then release
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00039.flv

7. When I try to accelerate in 1st gear the RPM drops and sometimes stalls.


I went ahead and checked the timing belt to see if it was off a tooth but everything appears OK.

1. The timing belt seems tight....I think..
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/SNC00031.jpg

2. Turned the crank clockwise to TDC
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/SNC00027.jpg

3. Verification of TDC
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/SNC00029.jpg

4. Marks on camshaft pulleys line up as well.
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00030.jpg


LAST GROUP OF TESTS ON 3/22

1. I checked the spark plugs and the tips are completely black since I'm running rich. They were perfectly fine before I took the head off.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...SNC00024-1.jpg

2. I checked the coolant reservoir and I don't see the oil and coolant mixing. Compression is still 210 psi on all 4.

3. I'm not throwing any codes. The CEL does come on when I turn the ignition to ON but goes away when the car starts. I verified the CEL turns on by unplugging the wire to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).

4. I'm missing one of the nuts that hold the intake manifolds to the head but the others are tight.

5. Replaced the O2 sensor that plugs into the cat a couple months ago to get rid of the CEL code 22. O2 sensor that plugs into header appears to be fine and plugged in as well.

6. Broke off the top half of the knock sensor when removing the bolts to the intake manifold. Re-soldered back on and not throwing any codes but I’m wondering if that’s causing the problem.

7. Never touched the Idle Adjusting screw since the idle was perfect before I changed out the head gasket.

8. Rechecked hoses, I’m sure its not a vacuum leak.

9. No backfire

10. Black smoke smells so bad, I could still smell it on my body after a shower. Positive I’m running rich. I had let the car idle for about 10+ minutes for it to reach the normal operating temperature. It’s not a bluish or white smoke (I know the head gasket is good…compression test confirmed it).

11. Put in a new distributor, old one was throwing a CEL code 8.

12. Reset the ECU, no change.


I’m thinking it’s the knock sensor even though I’m not throwing a code, it’s probably malfunctioning since I soldered it back together. I did check and got continuity on the – and + terminals on the knock sensor but that doesn’t mean anything really..…what do you guys think? I still haven’t checked the voltage on the TPS.

 

Not sure why these aren't showing....

2. Car stalls when I unplug the IAC valve when motor is cold and normal operating temperature
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00040.flv


4. Black smoke from exhaust whether car is cold or warm
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00036.flv


6. Almost stalls when I rev in neutral then release
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00039.flv

 

Last video...not my fault....

4. Black smoke from exhaust whether car is cold or warm
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...t=SNC00036.flv

 

SOLVED!

Special thanks to acuramstr @ www.justanswer.com! He knew I had a mixed up connector on a sensor based on solely the sound.

Connector for the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP) were switched.
(Took time in labeling my bags separating the screws…just not the connectors)

HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE!!!


Sound of my car!
http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w...rent=fixed.flv

 

that's weird... on my d16z6 the map sensor looks like your tps and my tps looks like your map... i bought a new tps and it looks exactly like your map too. i'm having this same problem. i might just go ahead and switch them around anyway just to see what happens.

 

your picture is messed up. you show the correct wiring but have the sensors mixed up. the one with the blueish connector is the MAP and other sensor is tps.
edit** not sure if you meant for it to be that way. anyways grats

 

Sorry man...I fixed the picture on top...but here is the correct picture!!

 

and it didn't throw codes for mixed up wiring??????

 

h there i am having the exact same problems as you were . my idiot of a friend accidently pulled out the 3 wires going to the sensor on the top of the throttle body would you be able to tell me which coloured wires go to which hole i would really apreciate it thank you