Going down the highway my car will all of a sudden start lurching somewhat rhythmically and slow down. It does this out of the blue and will even do it at slower speeds, but always random and even after driving it for miles and miles. Can someone point me in the right direction with this? It's a 1984 Honda Accord, new carburetor, with 142,000 miles.

Thanks, Travis

 

If carb has a fuel level window, check whether fuel level is low. A sticking or misadjusted float might cause fuel starvation. Weak fuel pump or partially blocked filter might also cause symptoms.

good luck

 

I just had the carb replaced a few months ago with a brand new one and it runs just fine literally 99% of the time, could a sticking float occur after driving for a while and then go back to normal a minute or two later? Also had the fuel filters changed when the carb was done, and had a new fuel pump put on 6 months or so ago.

 

It doesn't have to be a sticky float but a misadjusted one. Yes a new carb can have the float set wrong.

 

Maybe I'm just misunderstanding, but wouldn't a float set wrong, be set wrong from day one of installation and cause problems everyday? This car has ran great for months and only does it intermittently now, and only when the gas is pressed does it shudder/lurch.

 

A misadjusted float or sticking float is one possibility and may not be most likely given the details you've provided.

EGR malfunction might cause the symptoms. Look for possible sticking EGR valve.

Intermittent problems are inherently difficult since problem may not be presented when you're trying to diagnose.

good luck