Hey All! I just scored a 1989 Accord LX. It is a cool little car, for a good price, but it had been sitting for about 2 years in my buddies' back yard. I replaced the alternator and all belts (as well as all fluids). I checked the plugs and they all look good. It starts pretty good but runs rough when getting on the gas. The idle is great but will choke and sputter when given any more fuel. I tired using some Sea Foam to help clean out the carb, but it doesn't seem to make that much difference.

Is there anything else I should be checking or is the carb gummed up beyond Sea Foam????

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!!

Thanks!

 

Sorry I forgot to mention that the plugs and ditributor are fairly new and was running great before being left for 2 years....

 

The spark plugs are cheap enough were I would replace them to be sure that they are not the culprit. The NGK plugs recommended for your car run ~$7 for all four plugs.

Remove the distributor cap and inspect the contacts inside the cap and the rotor.

The carb is not my forte, hopefully poorman212 will chime in on some initial checks.

 

Pull the cap and inspect the contacts as well.

How many miles have you put on it since you've had it running? Just wondering if you are still dealing with bad/old gas? I'd put BOTH fuel filters on the list....yes there are two.

For my own reasons....2 dr hatch, coupe or 4 dr?

And yes, I've owned (and still do) a few of these....86 DX 5 spd-sold. 87 LX 5 spd-sold just three weeks ago. 88 LXi Auto-looking for a new home. 89 LXi 5 spd. 89 LX auto....

 

Hey All,

Thanks much for the responses! I asked the previous owner about the fuel filters and he said he replaced them both last year (after it had been sitting awhile) and then it sat for another year. He also said he put platinum plugs in it - for some reason.

My plan is to buy NGK plugs, which I have heard are the best for Hondas, and check the cap. It seems to be running a little better since the Sea Foam but it could just be my wishful thinking!

At ay rate, I appreciate all and every tip. THis forum RULES!!!

JJ

Oh, hey Poorman212, it is a 4 door LX. Soon to have a new hood!

 

Cool, all of mine except the 89 LXi have been 4 dr, the 89 LXi is a coupe.

As far as the hood, there are minor differences in the "trim" in the front (plastic piece between hood and bumper when it is closed) but any 86-89 hood (sheet metal) will work. For the hood trim to match the headlight trim you'll need something from an 88 or 89......or leave the lights up all the time and no one will ever know but you