Sounds stupid I know...But the car was in beautiful shape and the carfax was one owner and literally the tightest I have ever seen...

So from what I have gathered here, it is an ODBI (94 with 160k 5-spd), and thus I can read the code on the dash. So I will get to do that in a couple days after the current owner gets the title together etc.

Anyway there were some slight symptoms, maybe since you guys know Hondas well you can perhaps hypothesize on what's wrong.

1) The car seemed to run a little cold, as if the thermostat was stuck open a bit, the coolant temp would not go to midway, only about 3/8 and it did so in a notchy fashion.
2) It idled low...it did not stall. just idled down near 700rpms and fell down there somewhat quickly after you took your foot off the gas.
3) There was a bit of a sticky lifter noise when I started the car up, but the car was on a steep grade node up, thus I believe depriving it of oil when it started, and the noise did go away when we were on smoother ground. (I think this is just older car and unrelated to the CE light.)

other than that it was choice and I had to buy it then and there or I knew the next guy would. Anyway, I'm hoping that a bad thermo hasn't been running in the car long enough that it gunked up the cat and threw the code. Anyway, you guys have any insight?

thanks

 

CEL's are easy to fix, why dont you find out what the code is and research it before a thread?

 

I'm sorry. Did you read my post fully and understand me? because in the second paragraph there is something of a disclaimer saying just that I won't be in the presence of the car for a couple of days. This is a discussion forum, not a reference site. I am not very familiar with Honda's and all I did was reach out to ask if anyone had experienced a similar bundle of problems.

 

Its all good Cel= bad sensor.

 

thanks, if anyone would like to leave some serious input that would be appreciated

 

I have yet to see a serious question, you just said you are buying a accord with a cel that you have not looked into, Most of the time when you fix the cel any issues will go away.

 

like I said thanks, there is really no reason you need to pursue this discussion any further, hopefully someone with something constructive to add will chime in

 

Anyone will need more info to give you a conclusion. I am just trying to help, not just be a *******.

 

When you get the car check the sensor on the intake manifold for the gauge. If it registers the correct resistance for the given temp then it is fine and the gauge may be going bad. It happens. If the sensor is bad replace and see if the gauge works.
Check the Accord FAQ for details
If its not stalling or bucking I would not worry about that.
Rockers probably just need adjustment. Check the FAQ for a how to, the rockers need adjustment every X number of miles.

Under the glove box is a two wire blue connector, jump the wires with a paper clip and turn the car to ON(not start) the CEL will blink for a given code(s). FAQ has the list of CEL codes.

 

i wouldnt do ANYTHING without checking the codes for the check engine light. everything else is just conjecture and noise.

 

Thanks guys,

Ok got out there yesterday and checked the codes:

It looked like it was throwing code 41 - O2 sensor repeatedly...

When there is only one code will it continue to throw the same code over and over again indefinitely? That's what seemed the be happening.

If that's the case I am relieved it's such a minor issue I got a great price on the car.

 

yes, when reading the CEL for codes, it will always repeat. If there is only one code it just repeats that one code over and over. If there are multiple codes it will cycle through each code and then start over and over again.

 

Awesome, thanks for the response.

One other thing, I was looking around amazon for a good repair manual and there's a few different ones with mixed reviews, is there any particular one board people would suggest?

 

HELM
that is the one you want, its the Honda Factory Service manual and is better than all the others combined.

 

yep, Helm Inc manuals

I've owned one for each of my cars. Just need to get one for my 04 Si now. It's the only manual I feel is worth buying.