car is having a problem!

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by 98civicDX

15k miles for plugs is way too soon, you can get 50k mile on them easy

I used to agree with you until I read the SAE paper on spark plugs and because of reading that I really like the stock NGK V-power plugs that Honda installs at the factory and I tend to replace them every 15k to 20k miles, or when the sharp points of the electrodes wear down to dull rounded nubs, because like that SAE paper found, sparks like to jump between sharp points and corners, rounded shapes are the worst if you want a strong spark.

[Kodak]

I doubt this is it, but a nice throttle body cleaning did some good for the slight hesitation I was experiencing. This would not explain the battery situation, so I maybe I'm off base.

Do you do a lot of short trips and city driving?

[98civicDX]

yeah i do all short trips. last year i was driving highway to work but i dont work now. and tomorrow im changing my plugs, checking compression and cleaning throttle body and IAC valve. will see what happens

[user removed]

Possibly the EGR passageways in the manifold are getting stopped up.

regards
Mech

[98civicDX]

im not a mechanic and never heard of an EGR but it looks like thats a possibility. once i find a good diy thread online ill do that too

[98civicDX]

changed the spark plugs. They were definatly worn. My plug gaps are .039-.043. the old plugs were .080's! Replaced distributor cap and rotor. And cleaned the throttle body and the IACV. the test drive went good. didnt have the problem. Hope its good! It def feels good to do that work to your car. The internet makes it so easy, and having a honda too cause the community is so big.

[98civicDX]

I did a compression test as well. Does anyone know what the compression should be? i got 95-100 on all 4 cylinders. Consistent but is that low? I just read i think i did it wrong. Suppose to be a warm engine. It said the numbers arent as important as the consistency of them, since gauges all vary. So i think im ok

[user removed]

Those compression readings are very low, lower than my old 1937 Ford (130). You need to make sure the throttle is wide open to get the best readings, also your cranking speed needs to be up to specs.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

Pure guess but a 98 civic would be in the 170-200 range. If those readings you got are correct that puppy is wore slam out, or the cam timing is off.

Might do a leak down test.

regards Mech

[98civicDX]

yeah i didnt have a warm engine or open the throttle. i think its fine, car runs good