The "Sporty Accord" is back!
I just figured out what my password was and logged in. Here is what it says at the top of my screen:
Welcome, Andyman.
Last online: 08-26-2013 at 03:18 AM
It's been over two years.
My car the Sporty Accord (1988 Honda Accord LX-i) was in a friend's garage for about six years. I was trying to conserve money by avoiding car insurance. I traveled mostly by bicycle. Then my friend told me he needed me to get my car out of the garage.
I put a good battery in it and it started up with really old gasoline. Unfortunately the alternator was stuck. I took it out and turned it with a wrench and then a drill. A lot of rusty powder came out and then it turned fine. I put it back and it worked. I also needed to fix a rim leak with some sealant. That worked fine too. I'm still having some other problems now that I'm driving it on the roads.
1) Sometimes when the engine is warm it resists cranking. I think the ignition timing might be too advanced. I also hear some knocking during acceleration.
2) The starter solenoid failed and I only get a "click" sound when I turn the key. I can start it by turning on the key and connecting a jumper cable from the positive battery terminal to the small solenoid terminal (through an alligator clip jumper wire) and then the motor terminal (through a wrench). I fixed it once by removing the starter and turning the contact terminal (connected to the battery) to a new position. It worked about ten times and then went back to clicking. I don't think the solenoid is meant to be disassembled. I might have to buy a new one.
3) When I hit a bump in the road, a warning beeper and light comes on to warn about a door not closed. I can shut it off by hitting the driver's door.
4) Something is rattling near the right front wheel. I think it is a strut mount.
Other than that, it is running well. It rolls very easily. I know I can fix the minor problems. Now I hope I can keep up with the insurance payments. It's about $800 per half year in New York City. I chose Safeco insurance. Most other companies wanted much more. I think they don't like old cars.
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