Questions and Answers
Missing Honda
Q. Hi Vince, I own a 1986 Honda Prelude, programmed fuel injection, auto, P/S, A/C. I am having a problem with the idle. When the car is idling it misfires and is rough. This only happens sometimes regardless of engine temperature. To try and fix the problem I have had the idle speed motor replaced. Do you have any idea what the problem might be?
Any advice will be helpful.
Thanks in advanceA. Nine times out of ten, the problem is in the ignition system. Either a bad distributor cap and rotor, bad ignition wires or worn out spark plugs. It is also possible the fuel mixture is either too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too little fuel). I would have all of these basic items checked before I start looking for something else.
Another thing to consider is the age of the engine. It could very well be just plain worn out. I would have the valves adjusted to specifications and do a compression test to determine, exactly, what kind of shape it's in.
