Precision4

Can anyone tell me why, when I press my gas peddle, the car does not accelerate???

It seems that after about 20 minutes of driving my car, the engine doesnt want to work anymore.
I pretty much need to launch at 3000rpm at every stop in order for the engine to not 'murmur'.

Basically what happens is if I drive normally, when I press the gas peddle the engine just 'murmurs' and doesnt do anything. I can actually press the peddle to the floor and the engine will not do anything for about 5 seconds. After that it will finally decide the rev.

Is my engine on its way out? Its a D16Z6...

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

PS. On a side note, it is also running lean and I am buring through spark plugs every 2 months.

starboy869

PS. On a side note, it is also running lean and I am buring through spark plugs every 2 months.

I would fix this problem first

Polkaroo Killa

Zing! We have a winner.

Also, are you gapping your plugs to the factory spec?

Precision4

Not sure where to begin with this.

Yes, they are gapped properly. I've already had my dizzy looked at and my fuel filter changed.

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

i'm guessing the check engine light isn't on either?

I've seen this a few times, and its been either the distributor, plugs, fuel pump or MAP sensor.

I'd pull a spark plug out and check for spark (ground the spark plug against the valve cover with the spark plug wire attached and have someone crank the car over). The spark needs to be real bright blue.
I'd also check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge, it could be low, or the fuel pump could not be keeping up and putting out low fuel pressure.
What do the plugs look like after 2 months? White? Ground strap burnt off? Any damage to the plugs?

Precision4

Plugs are white. No damage at all.

What do I do if the plugs do not glow blue?

Does this explain why nothing happens when I press the gas?

Thanks for the great info.

fingolfin

is the distrib new? or old?

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

hmmm.....do they smell sweet at all?
Does your car go through coolant quickly?
Does it ever overheat?

White plugs can be a sign of a blown headgasket, and that could explain the total lack of power.

If you check the spark and its not bright blue/white then its a sign of a bad distributor or coil inside of the dizzy, or plug wires/cap/rotor.

Precision4

Im not burning through any coolant. There isnt any lack of power when accelerator actually engages, it just doesnt go. The engine 'murmurs' with the throttle down and the RPM needles just bounces around at 1000 until it finally catches and shoots up. I also noticed that I can minimize this by SLOWLY (and I mean slowly!) pressing the gas to get it up to about 2500rpm to launch. If I press the gas to quickly (or at a normal pace!) the 'murmur' happens. I have to be even more careful on an incline. When this does happen, the engine never stalls, i just have to let the RPMs drop again before I can press the gas peddle. Im really pissing off the drivers behind me at lights!

Also, when I am cruising, (or above 2500 rpm) at any speed, the engine is great and no power loss.

I had the coil replaced about 6 months ago along with the wires. Problem still persisted.

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

do you have access to a fuel pressure guage?

Precision4

unfortunately not. Are they expensive? Does CT have them?

If I can get one tonight, how do I hook it up to my 91 Si?

Would this explain who my car runs like crap when its warm (20+ mins of driving)? Or could it be the actual engine? Im only asking this b/c apln on getting a new car in the spring and I dont want to spend to much just trying to diagnose the problem.

chris_v2

my bet would be either a really bad cat, or a faulty sensor. Problem with pre-obdII is that if a sensor is somewhat out of range it out recognize it and wont set a code.

But I guess you can check fuel pressure too, but from my experiences it doesnt sound like a pump or regulator problem.

chris_v2

actually first check for a vacuum leak

94exr

if it was a cat it would get worse the warmer the car got! Check for fuel pressure..spark and you might want to check your compression while you are at it too!

Precision4

thanks for the suggestions guys...

Cat was replaced about 1 year ago with a high-flo version

Compression test was done when this problem first arose and was determined to be normal.

As for vacuum leak, i will double check it but it didnt seem like there was one.

I usually take my car to altech but it is now difficult for me to get there during there hours of operation.
Can anyone recommend a good(and cheap!) shop in Sauga? Or does anyone wanna come take a crack at it?

Thanks guys.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

it's called misfire.... that's the term for what you're describing. check what others have suggested (esp the MAP sensor) and report back... also vacuum leak possibly (but in this case the problem wouldn't get worse when the car warmed up).

I dont' suspect a mechanical problem with the engine... most likely a sensor fault or fuel pump issue.

Precision4

Will do. Is MAP sensor expensive to replacee? Ant recommendations of a reliable shop in sauga, or is it a DIY?

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

dont' just replace parts cuz I recommended to check them. the MAP could be perfectly ok, and what you really need is a new fuel pump.... or whatever..... it's easy to replace but first check it with a voltmeter. if you start replacing random parts it gets expensive real fast (that's how I used to approach fixing cars when I was 16-17). if you're not confident, just take it to a shop. I don't know any shops since I do stuff myself.

Precision4

Well my plan was to do it this sunday, but the snow ruined that. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to check the pressure and the MAP. What is the best way to check the MAP, what should I be looking for exactly?

chris_v2

Best way to test the map sensor is to get a vacuum gauge, apply a certain amount of vacuum to it and check the parameters and they should be within spec.

Obviously you probably dont have a vacuum gauge so what i would do is check the voltage spec (there should be a chart) you can find this on any honda manual. Pin the wires hook up your voltmeter and compare. Hold is at 1/4 throttle (or what you think is 1/4 throttle) and see if your close. then compare at closed throttle. Its kinda tough diagnosing sensors without the proper equipment but this will give u a general idea.

Fuel pressure you need a fuel pressure gauge, theres no ways around it.