'93 Civic VTEC-E skipping

[tim3058]

Ok, I've been busy and hadn't gotten back to the O2 til last night. Checked the ecm, its a p07. I pulled the O2, cleaned the deposits off the tip and re-installed. Following the test procedure in my Haynes manual (backprobe the white wire terminal B on the O2 connector for voltage, connect black lead to ground), I get values around 2.4 to like 2.9 while running versus the .4 -.9 its supposed to be. If I'm not screwing it up (checked it several times) is this even a possible voltage that it could be giving?
Higher voltage supposedly tells the ecm its running rich and the ecm leans the mix out to compensate, which would explain the persistent stumbling/skipping.

[Christ]

get a propane torch, heat it up red hot, and dip it in lemon juice a couple times to cool it off.

Do that 5 or 10 times, then reinstall it. If it still doesn't work, no biggie, get a new one.

Cleaning the tip will do nothing, the sensor is under that metal sheath. As long as the holes are open, it's still making a signal.

[tim3058]

So the Civic has been down for 2 months for massive repairs. It was leaking oil like a sieve and needed the o2 and a timing belt. After I bought the car I discovered the rpms are too high for the VX/CX tranny gearing, best I can tell its a DX gear ratio. So I also got a CX tranny to swap in (checked the ratios on it before I bought it this time). While out I had the head shaved .030, replaced all the gaskets, timing belt, had a 3 angle valve job done, new valve seals, etc. As I pulled it apart I discovered the intake manifold-to-head bolts were just barely snug, various bolts were stripped or broken off, the motor mount was ripped in two, the oil pan gasket was ripped, and the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces were blued from a serious beating at some point. Great. Never buy a Civic from anyone under 50. Anyways the fuel intake bolts were also loose, and the injector seals showed signs of debris leaking past them. The combined loose intake/loose injectors may be partly to blame for the skipping, I won't know for sure until I start the car here this week but hopefully its gone. Last couple bolts to install, and trying to remove a CV from the new tranny (another topic) and I'll be ready. Just an update on my progress since I haven't gotten to actually try the new o2 yet.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by TomO

NGK V Power are the only plugs that should go into the VX motor, seriously.

Thanks TomO, That I didn't know!

Dave

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by tim3058

So the Civic has been down for 2 months for massive repairs. It was leaking oil like a sieve and needed the o2 and a timing belt. After I bought the car I discovered the rpms are too high for the VX/CX tranny gearing, best I can tell its a DX gear ratio. So I also got a CX tranny to swap in (checked the ratios on it before I bought it this time). While out I had the head shaved .030, replaced all the gaskets, timing belt, had a 3 angle valve job done, new valve seals, etc. As I pulled it apart I discovered the intake manifold-to-head bolts were just barely snug, various bolts were stripped or broken off, the motor mount was ripped in two, the oil pan gasket was ripped, and the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces were blued from a serious beating at some point. Great. Never buy a Civic from anyone under 50. Anyways the fuel intake bolts were also loose, and the injector seals showed signs of debris leaking past them. The combined loose intake/loose injectors may be partly to blame for the skipping, I won't know for sure until I start the car here this week but hopefully its gone. Last couple bolts to install, and trying to remove a CV from the new tranny (another topic) and I'll be ready. Just an update on my progress since I haven't gotten to actually try the new o2 yet.

Wow Tim,

You're really into this project. All this because the O2? Dude! How's it going? Is the engine back together? Did you have any burned valves because of the loose manifold bolts?

All the best,
Dave

[tim3058]

To my knowledge the valves were ok or the machine shop would've said something. Car was a real lemon but I'd already bought it. The car is back together and running/driving, needs an alignment still. I've got what seems like low power and some skipping at idle, I suspect the timing belt could be off but I checked the marks before assembly. I need to check ignition timing first here, could any of you post or PM me a pic of your Civic VX VECI label for the timing specs? (should be the decal on the underside of the hood, should say 16* BTDC or something similar somewhere on it). It should also list what hoses need to be plugged, rpm, etc. My engine was a swap and the hood decal is missing anyways. My car is a 93, but I'd imagine 92-95 is fine. Thanks guys. My 24mpg '97 Grand Prix 3.8L V6 would have been cheaper to keep driving than this thing has been so far...

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Is your VX from the rust belt like mine?

Just remember these cars are getting scarce. Yours had an unfortunate past.
Mine has been in the same family, brother, mother, to younger brother, never hot rodded but on the other hand has not seen a coat of wax since new.

But basic maintenance was taken care of fairly well.

My label is there but is unreadable for the info you requested. I will have to look for my 92-95 Civic book.

Dave

[TomO]

Originally Posted by tim3058

I need to check ignition timing first here, could any of you post or PM me a pic of your Civic VX VECI label for the timing specs? (should be the decal on the underside of the hood, should say 16* BTDC or something similar somewhere on it). It should also list what hoses need to be plugged, rpm, etc.

Ask and thou shall receive:
VX Idle Set Procedure
VX Ignition timing Check/Set Procedure

[Dave's Civic Duty]

The info will be great for me as well, Thanks TomO!

Dave

[tim3058]

Thanks for the specs TomO, just what I needed.