A real puzzler....my 89 Accord (has 70k original miles) has a problem I just can't figure out. It only happens periodically and ONLY over 60 to 70 mph when warmed up. IT will almost cut out, the RPM's are 3-4 but the speed will drop to 20 or less. I can press on the gas and NOTHING, it will sputter like it wants fuel and also kind of a bad exhaust smell. I have changed the fuel filters but have noticed a leak at the o rings for distributor. Could this cause the problem? Could it be the 02 sensors? HELP

 

Have you checked the catalytic converter? Exhaust do smell bad when the cats don't work. Drop in rpm's could be due to improper fuel supply. Try finding the error codes to get a clear idea.

 

Does the fuel pump prime when you switch the ignition to "on?"

 

not sure how the 89 is setup by my 90 had a similar problem. it was a bad a/f ratio caused by a leaking egr, bad o2 sensor, bad cat, and map going bad.

 

Carb'd or FI....or DX, LX or LXi? Can I guess carb's since you say "filters", meaning two?

 

When my o2 sensor went it did the same thing. If you turn it off and restart it is it fine? It goes into a limp mode and doesn't let you accelerate.

 

Yeah smell could be cat, I have never heard of those other issues causing limp in mode, but as smart as I think I am sometimes I don't know even close to everything, but with the smell of the cat and stalling like that I would suspect a melted/partially clogged cat, with too much back pressure it will stall out until pressure can leak past, pull the cat out and see if it continues, you should be able to see through it, clean honey comb. and as previously stated by another member if codes, pull them and diag. Trouble trees/flow charts are by far the best to follow.

 

No codes. LX is the model. I have not tried changing the 02 sensors (2 right?) yet. Yesterday it did it without ANY bad smell, I was almost run over on interstate. Now when I try to start it in morning it will start but shut off then start with no problem. I did read in other posts that maybe the main relay is going out??? Anyone verify this? I don't have this problem all the time with acceleration, only after driving maybe 20-30 min so hesitant that it is a bad cat. No smell any other time, doesn't get hot on floorboard or smell bad regularly. As I said I did replace the fuel filter in back, the one up front is still in good shape, can blow through it fine.

 

A bad cat will not smell bad all the time. Is the smell similar to a boiled egg smell? Main relays are one of Hondas problems from close to that age, I am not sure if that year was included in the bulletin, but there was a bulletin on a certain number of those that was due to the solder points inside. There is a simple way to check, you pull it out, put power to the control side and check continuity on the function side. If you go that route I will try to find a schematic to post for you, or if you have a pick and pull go pull one out and swap it real fast, I wouldn't pay for a new one with out a failed test. or pull it apart and you will be able to see the cracks in the soldered points.

 

Carb models in this gen DO NOT have a "Main Relay" like the FI. They have a normal 4 pin relay that almost NEVER FAILS....top of the fuse panel if you must.

Also there is only one O2 Sensor on the 3rd gen carb'd models.....

Have you checked the fuel level in the bowl of the carb, sight glass on side. Have you pulled and cleaned the egr valve.

And we are all assuming that the normal tune up items are up to date.

 

Thanks so much everyone for all the info. I haven't been able to do anything for several days as I have had an Emergency Room ordeal. So hopefully tomorrow I will check everything and post next week. Thanks again, I hope after all the info I get it cleared up.

 

Woops. Right you are. For some reason I was thinking it was a bit later.