Questions and Answers

Hesitating Acura Q. Hi: I have a 1991 Acura Integra LS. It has a 1.8 liter engine, manual 5 speed, fuel injection, no ABS, power assisted rack and pinion steering and has 148,000 miles. My problem is that the car suffers from serious hesitation. When I first start the car it runs fine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

I have tried many different types of fuel injection and fuel system cleaner with only temporary results.

Please Help,
Thank you.

A. I don't think you have a major problem here. Most hesitations are caused by a lack of basic maintenance. Before we go looking for something in the engine controls, we need to be sure the basics are good.

First start with a good tune up. Put in a set of NGK BCPR5E-11 gapped at between 0.39" - 0.43". Then a new distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires as well as a new air and fuel filter.

Next, a good cleaning oft the throttle chamber and IACV would also be needed. The timing on that engine is adjustable, so it could need an adjustment.

Acura says to replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles. If you haven't done so, I would strongly recommend getting it replaced at the earliest opportunity. A stretched belt will also cause a hesitation.

When this is all done, there is a 89.4% chance that your hesitation problem will go away.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA