Before Christmas I didn't see a big puddle at night and ended up driving my 1994 Civic EX with D16Z6 through it. The car started squealing from what I'm assuming is water splashing up onto the serpentine belts. I didn't notice anything after that since that puddle was less than 1/4 mile from home. The next day the car seemed sluggish and the smell of fuel was prevalent. I used a static timing light and had to adjust the timing to where the line mark lined up within the aiming points (two triangle plastic bits). The car still ran rough and rich with little black powdery stuff settling on the driveway by the exhaust as the car idled. I also got a code 43 (I used a paper clip and recorded the CEL lighting up with 4 long durations followed by 3 rapid durations).

I took the car to the dealer two days before Christmas and the dealer still doesn't know what's going on. They said they tried three different O2 sensors since the OEM ones are discontinued. The car still doesn't run right. The dealer offered to put the car back together so I can pick it up without charge (I was initially charged a $120 diagnostic fee, which would go towards the actual repair cost). I think they just want to get rid of it so they aren't out one technician spending time on my car.

Any ideas?

 

Compression test results?

 

^^

 

Code 43 is the dreaded "fuel supply" problem, not just a possible O2 sensor problem. I had this in my 93 Si a few years ago. It was my fuel pump dying. But it could also be your FPR or fuel filter or main relay. I know - how does this link back to the puddle? It doesn't, that I know of. But the puddle issue may be a red herring.

 

I will talk to the dealer about compression as well as the other fuel system components. FULL DISCLOSURE: Fuel filter was replaced about 40,000 miles ago in June of 2016 when I broke down in Schaumburg, IL. Schaumburg Honda (their service department closes late, 9 or 10pm!) said my car died due to a clogged fuel filter. Car ran fine after it was replaced. Car currently has 484k miles. I have to find that 93mb Helms PDF file and familiarize myself with the troubleshooting flowchart.

 

Low 100-120s dry, 185 wet. Bad rings was the diagnosis by the tech. Fuel pressure was at 38psi and timing was at TDC.

 

If the filter clogged up before, there is crud in the tank and the "new" filter may need replacing again. The useful life of a fuel filter entirely depends on how much dirt goes into it, not time or miles.

 

You are right. My fuel tank is rusting on the inside. I’m considering a Spectra 13.5 gallon tank as a replacement for the stock 11.9 gallon tank.