48,000 miles on the clock and just started running on kangaroo petrol. Starts ok every time, runs up to 1000 + revs until warm then tickover is not there, dies on me.
No warning lights on, checks on computer show no faults. Burns no oil in a year. new rotor arm and dist; cap fitted. Plugs and leads ok. valves ok (cylinder pressure is fine)
Ok once up to speed.

Stuck on where to look next. Any help would be appreciated, I don't want to see the back of this car.

John

 

Problem could be electrical or fuel. An intermittent problem is difficult to trace because the problem may not be there when you try to restart.

First, I would try cleaning the throttle body bore, throttle plate, and idle air control valve w/ throttle body cleaner very throughly. Engine may be starved for air due to very dirty throttle body/plate.

If this is no help, then problem may be more difficult to trace:

First install a "tell-tale" light on the blk/yel wire at the distributor connector. Small 12v Bulb is in the cabin w/ you and wired from under hood in through a window. Watch for light when engine dies. If light goes out, then keyswitch is opening and removing power to the ignition system. If light stays on loss of fuel pressure is possible.

Loss of fuel pressure: Rig a fuel pressure gauge and hose to the banjo bolt on the fuel injection system under the hood and tape gauge to the windshield securely. Watch fuel pressure when engine dies. Loss of pressure indicates problem w/ fuel pump or main fuel relay.

good luck

 

Thanks for the quick reply; I like the sound of the first option because the car only dies if I am not able to keep the revs up with the accelerator.

I'll let you know how things go.

John

 

Welcome! We're picking up more UK folks all the time.

4-cylinder? I don't know if UK gets the V-6 at all?
We usually need a reminder about how your cars are equipped.

Honda idle-control system is a bit finicky. Make sure the throttle cable goes slack. The cable and the mechanical stop-screw must not be used to adjust idle. There's an Idle-Air Control Valve (IACV) bolted to the back side of the intake manifold. Clean it with T-B cleaner.

Also, make sure there's no air in the cooling system. Really. It confuses the idle-control system.

 

Hi and thanks for that tip too. Should know a bit more later today.

The engine is a 4 cylinder 1,8 V TEC

John

 

I don't know why but the tappets (valve lifters) were all tight. Even though the cylinder pressures were 170 psi the tappets were tight.

These were re set and all is well.

I might go quiet for a while now, a happy car is a happy driver :-)

John

 

Measure valve clearances with a cold engine, right?

 

Thanks Jim, your correct. 0,24 /0,28 mm inlet and 0,28 / 0,32 mm exhaust when cold.

John