In my attempt to diagnose ODB I error code 43 on my '93 Honda Accord, I began the process of checking for vacuum leaks using stater fluid while listening for change of engine idle pitch. No leaks were detected using this method and the car continued to run fine. My next diagnostic was to check for electrical arc coming from the area around my spark plug wires and related components. I did this by misting water in those areas with the engine running and the garage lights turned off. What I found was that I could literally shut the engine down if I misted too heavily around my distributor where the spark plug wires connect. With my multimeter grounded and the positive lead in the area of the distributor and wire cluster, but touching nothing, I get a reading of anywhere from 11 to 14 volts. I installed a new set of spark plug wires last night but the problem still exists. What could cause this apparent electrical leakage and how do I fix it? Could this be causing the ECU to interpret a lean condition, consequently throwing the 43 code? The distributor and the Bosche O2 sensor were replaced last year.

 

How about the distributor cap? Once an arc tracks across the shiny surface, it etches a track that makes it easy to short again. Sometimes you need a fair amount of magnification to see the track.

Was it really dark when you looked? You might see some dull glowing to pinpoint the problem.

Finally, some people say the Bosch sensor doesn't work as good as Denso for a Honda engine. But I can't corroborate that with personal experience.

 

I will take a closer look at that distributor. I've also heard similar comments ref the Bosch versus Denso O2 sensors. Thanks for your input.

 

Replaced the Bosch O2 sensor with a Denso, took the car out for a 200 mile run in the country yesterday and not a peep from the CEL yet. Yay! Still no explanation for the distributor issue outlined above, whether it be a normal occurrence, a problem of my own making or some kind of part defect, but she seems to be happy for now and that means I am happy too. Appreciate your time.