[Vexedoutcast]

I'm new to this site, and well also when it comes to owning a honda and working on cars. So sorry if my lack of knowledge is painfully obvious. Any information that i leave out, i'll add later if needed/asked for. Again, major noob here.

About 2 months ago I bought a 99 civic ex. almost entirely stock, d16y8 5 speed. When i bought it it wasn't running. Within an hour I got it started and driving (previous owner replaced the plugs and wires and put them back in in the wrong order) For a while the car ran decently. Now however, as soon as i start it, it wants to die, and it has an idling issue. Lastly, if I'm sitting still and try to start going while its under about 2000/2500 rpm it doesn't want to go or has very little power. I tried to tighten the throttle cable so it sat at 900/1000 rpm. After a couple minutes of idling there it drops close to that very first tick mark, right above the 0. Is there anything that would cause all three of those issues? Any idea on what would be causing even one of the issues? As I've said already, I'm not that experienced with working on cars (trying to learn) but thought, it could be the bad spark plugs or maybe something like the fuel pump/lines? I'm looking for any tips/help that could help fix these issues. I could send it to a shop and have it check out but would much rather prefer learning and working on it myself. Anything would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[FarmerD]

I would highly suggest trying to make friends with a local mechanic type figure and see if they can help you out.


Very little power, usually is a lack of fuel issue. I would performance test the pump and inspect the fuel pressure.

Unfortunately being a mechanic is one of the most expensive trades when it comes to money invested for tools.

 

[Vexedoutcast]

FarmerD I appreciate the reply. Also, i didnt think about this until after I made this post but, when my gas tank is under a quarter, the issue of it wanting to die right away is more common, while it has more its a rare issue. So would that mean its more likely to be the fuel pump?

 

[FarmerD]

Fill her right up and see what happens!

The fuel pump has an access hatch under the rear seat. Pull out the seat and take a peek in the tank and see what you can find.

 

[Sac*HXy5]

Just a suggestion but I would check the fuel filter and replace it before diving into the pump. They are cheap and an easy replacement for even the newest of mechanics. (It's on the firewall behind the throttle body.) Look up a video on the job. But I agree sounds like a fuel problem. Plugged filter will act like a bad pump.

 

[Sailor]

Or you're stirring up residue in a tank that's had an unfortunate past life?

 

[efmang]

I'd go ahead and replace the fuel filter, it couldn't hurt and then look into the tank if its still having a problem to make sure there isn't a bunch of crap in the bottom of it or the pump isn't getting choked up on it.

 

[Vexedoutcast]

I appreciate the help. and heres just an update.
I replaced the fuel pump, it looked like it was the original or at least was worn considerably. The idle before was rough and would be raise and fall between 500-1000. Now its more steady but still at the tick right about the 0 (assuming that's the 500 mark) It does seem to want to go more, but the issue is still there.
I'll replace the filter (which now i know i should have done first) and sailor, if there is residue in the tank getting stirred up and as efmang said choking up the pump, how would I go about cleaning it all out? or would the filter do that?

 

[Sailor]

I think some of the earlier cars had a hexagonal bung in the bottom of the tank, but I don't know about the '99.
If there's no bung, the only option is to take the tank out. In this case, you might as well put in a new one ... Sorry.

Clearly, it's worth checking everything else first!

 

[Vexedoutcast]

Sorry for the late update. I changed both the fuel pump and filter, the civic started idling high, (assuming because i messed with the throttle cable a while ago) but then it dropped to normal idling. Just recently it started raising and falling but only did it like twice. Since it was my first time changing them both alone, I'm going to recheck and make sure everything is tight.

 

[Sac*HXy5]

The "Throttle Cable" adjustments you made only change the way the accelerator pedal functions. However over adjusting could cause the Throttle Valve to stay open a little. Idle adjustments are made through the IACV with an external tachometer and a properly maintained and timed vehicle.

 

[Sac*HXy5]

The high idle at start presumably is because the engine was cold?? If so that is normal but as the engine warms(shouldn't take too long <5 mins) it should slow to under 1000 rpms.