knocks and shakes...

[iamnemo]

So, here's a fun one for you guys.

My car, over the past few weeks, starts knocking and vibrating sometimes. It's only when I accelerate. It also only seems to do it after I've been on the highway for a while. Last night it did it for a while, then stopped doing it, then started again, then stopped once I got off of the highway and was driving around town.

Sometimes it doesn't do it at all, even after a long highway drive!

It did this same thing around this time last year when I started putting 87 octane in it. The people over at han.net said it was contaminated fuel, so I went back to 89 and I haven't had a problem since then. Could it just be that again? I'm still using 89...

Any help at all?? I want to know what to expect if I end up taking it to a shop so they don't feed me bull shit.

[ACCORDianate]

According to my Hayne's manual if the engine stumbles upon acceleration it means 1 of 5 things (most common listed first):

1 Spark plugs fouled
2 Fuel injection system faulty
3 Fuel filter clogged
4 Incorrect ignition timing
5 Intake manifold air leak

If it's knocking or pinging while accelerating or going uphill its 1 of 7 things (most common listed first):

1 Incorrect grade of fuel
2 Incorrect ignition timing
3 Fuel injection system faulty
4 Improper or damaged spark plugs or wires
5 Worn or damaged distributor components
6 EGR valve not functioning
7 Vacuum leak

When was the last time you changed your plugs, dizzy cap, or fuel filter? Ever had your fuel injectors looked at? Timing belt replaced recently and if so are you sure that the balance shaft isn't off by a few teeth? My car did similarly and it turns out that the balance shaft was off by 2 teeth after I had a Honda dealership do my timing belt.

[iamnemo]

I was really thinking about doing the fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and lower plug seals. I haven't had my belt replced recently...but if it's an easy DIY I think I might add that in there too. I'll have to look through my manual for that.

[ACCORDianate]

Its not an easy DIY. If you've never done it before, have a buddy along that has done it at least once.

Start with the easy stuff first. It could be a simple fouled spark plug.

[iamnemo]

Yeah, I was reading on my manual....quite the process! Not expensive though. I'm gonna check up on it when I replace the other shite. If it's that bad, I'll probably do it this summer when I'll have more time.

Thanks for the help bro!

[ACCORDianate]

You bet, anytime.

Between the water pump, timing belt, balance shaft belts, seals, accessory belts, oil, and whatnot, expect to spend $200 to $250 at Honda, less at Autozone.

As far as the timing belt goes, go to the dealership for the best quality. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

[91AccordLX]

no way i bet honda charges like 600-700 bucks to change the timing belt, water pump and all the other goodies....that is just ridiculous!

[iamnemo]

no way i bet honda charges like 600-700 bucks to change the timing belt, water pump and all the other goodies....that is just ridiculous!

See, that's why you get a shop manual and do it yourself!

[91AccordLX]

yep exactly, if its your first time to do a timing belt change take all day who cares how long it takes, as long as it gets done, IMO thats better then paying 600 bucks, plus you get self gratification ive spent 10 hrs working on my car before, and i didnt give a shit how long it took, just glad i got it done myself.

[ACCORDianate]

Yes, its $600 or so including labor at Honda. Parts alone can be $200 retail easily.

[91AccordLX]

lets see here, when i changed my timing belt i believe i paid around 80 or so for everything...belts, water pump and a few seals...i should of got a few other seals cause i leak a bit oil, but oh well...i just changed my oil and added some lucas oil treatment, and its running much better and hardly a leak...i also just flushed my tranny fluid and added a bottle of lucas tranny stuff...and hte thing shifts ALOT better, no slipping at all...i HIGHLY recommend lucas products...but anyway sorry for getting

[iamnemo]

Baaaaaaaad tuner member.


hehehe

[91AccordLX]

talking about me for changing topics? haha