new 4th gen owner, 3 issues.

[poopsmith]

I have just purchased a 1990 LX w/ 172kmi. The car is in beautiful condition. Not having owned a honda for quite some time I am not firmilular with some of their quirks... maybe someone can help.

First off: there is an intermitant no start condition. Sounds like it may be the main relay, ( as noted in previous threads) however this does not happen during hot weather, it is about 60F today, and issue still occurs. Will turn key to on position wait for engine light to go out and then turn to start position. There will be a clicking noise from under the dash, and no start. all dash lights are on, and sounds like engine partially tries to turn, but then stops. will turn key back to on and then try again... then it starts fine.... Still sound like a main relay???

2nd issue: after sitting a long time, usually overnight, upon start oil light will stay on for a second, and there will be a light ticking nosie in engine for that time. is this normal??? ticking noise also occurs when shifting above 3k rpm. sounds like a lack of oil circulation to me.... not not sure how to remedy.... any ideas?

3rd and final... during long trips... 30mi+, temp guage seems to sit in the top 3/4 of guage then normally it sits at about 1/2... is this normal?? or shal I start trouble shooting fan, and radiator????

Thanks for the help....

[accordmaniac]

If not already done..
with 172K miles.. time to think about getting timing belt replaced.
Interval of timing belt replacement is every 90K miles or 5 years.

I could be wrong, but there is possible things to check.

1st issue.
Check Distributor, well as plugs and wires / fuel pump.

2nd issue
Check oil pump.

3rd issue
Check radiator fluid / water pump / radiator fan for proper operation.

[accordmaniac]

^^

[ACCORDianate]

Originally posted by accordmaniac
I could be wrong, but there is possible things to check.

1st issue.
Check Distributor, well as plugs and wires.

ticking sound- starter solenoid?

2nd issue
Check oil pump.

Check to see if you have enough oil, and make sure it isn't really thick 20w50 in there; do an oil change and use 5w30.

3rd issue
Check radiator fluid / water pump / radiator fan for proper operation.

Don't forget about the thermostat either; if it isn't opening all the way it could cause the temp to skyrocket.

[CBShichi]

that ticking noise is more than likely your valves. do a valve adjustment. a lot of people don't think about it but it should be done every year or 15,000 miles.

[alb_accord]

with that many miles u should do a tune up too.

and about the oil i should dissagre about the 5 w30. that is very light oil for and engine that has that many miles.
i would suggest the new high miles 10 w30 oil or the 10 w40.

for the car overheating just do what the other guy said. a complete flush and a thermostat replacement would fix it,,, unless there is a fan problem.

[poopsmith]

thanks for all the help....

I think I may have ruled out the main relay (fuel relay) for the no start condition, based on the fact that engine does not turn over at all when this happens.... how reliable are the starter motors at this milage?? maybe starter is going bad, or bad ground... looking down in to the engine compartment it looks as if the ground wire is a bit frayed, but well connected.... i will have to do some investigation....

I will do an oil change, and use a bit thicker oil. Also do a valve adjust.... anyone using syntetic oil??? is there an advantage??

Plugs and wires both look good....

[Cactus]

For your starting problem my guess is that your starter is going bad. When the starter starts going bad it will make a fast clicking sound. If I recall correctly the clicking will keep going for a second after you stop trying to start the car because the inertia in the starter keeps it spinning for a bit. If the problem were the battery not suplying the juice it should, you would hear a clicking sound also, although it should stop when you stop trying to start the engine.

In my experience the starter is much noisier than a battery too weak to start the car. If the battery is too weak (or you have a bad/corroded battery connection) you should notice severe light dimming when you try to start the car as well.

For your oil problem, I think that has been covered. Check the oil level, change the filter and oil and see if that takes care of everything. If not, it is probably time to get the oil pump checked as well as the sensor that causes the oil light to come on.

Overheating problem I don't have much experience with, but it sounds like perhaps the thermostat isn't functioning too well. Flush and fill the radiator and replace the thermostat and hopefully that will take care of the hight temperature problems.

[theone]

everyrhing ACCORDianate said is on point

check the starter or get a new or used one
as for the tickn......valves need to be adjust, its not anything serious but u still wanna get it done.

[thewoahna]

hey man, couldnt help but notice you are new and your screen name... thats great man, poopsmith, homestar, strongbad, they are all the shit.... haha