Questions and Answers
Accords Got Gas
Q. Hi Vince, I have a 1986 Honda Accord LX with over 200,000 miles. Whenever my gas hand dips a fraction below the half tank mark, my car would not start after letting it sit overnight. In order to get the car to start, I would put a little gas in the carb (which I know is very dangerous) and the car would fire right up. At times if the gas level is at a quarter of a tank, it would just cut off/choke down as I'm driving. My gas bill has reached approx. $30.00 a week. I've changed both fuel filters. I've been told that this is an indication of my fuel pump going out. I would greatly appreciate some sound advice/recommendations.
A. This does sound like a bad fuel pump to me. It is simple enough to test if you have a vacuum gauge.
Disconnect the fuel line at the pump that comes in from the fuel filter. Stick a plug into the line so you don't have fuel running out. Plug the vacuum gauge into the fitting on the pump and start the engine. There will be enough fuel in the carburator to perform the test. there should be about 7" of vacuum and steady. if there is a wild fluctuation, then the pump diaphram is leaking and the pump needs to be replaced.
Now the kicker is this, it is very possible that gas is leaking into the crankcase through the pump. So check the oil and see if the level is high or smells of gas. if it does, then you will need to change tho oil and filter. It wouldn't be a bad idea to change it in any case, just to be safe.
