Set the dial on 0 to 20K--then, the decimal point should be in the right place and you'll get a little more precise reading.

TXGreaseMonkey

It's been a while but still having the same problems. I did notice some cracks in welds of exhaust header when running seafoam. Would that have anything to do with it running rich? I've heard exhaust leaks can cause those problems.

It may be tricking the oxygen sensor with too much air, which may cause more fuel to be injected and wasted. Those cracks may be the source of your problem. See if you can repair it with J.B. Weld.

TXGREASEMONKEY

I changed out the header as it had some leaks in the welds. I also borrowed a wideband A/F ratio meter. It seems to run at 14-15 during normal driving. Sometimes idling at 15.5-16.2 at lights. IU also noticed as I feathered the throttle on the highway you could see it drop down to 12s and jump back up. Occasionally it would hold in the 12s which seems funny. TPS? And I noticed that trying to push up a hill as I pressed the G pedal the car went into the 12s but didn't do much in the way of performing. I did a small open throttle test at 4500 and 60-65mph... it too was in the 12s. Isn't your car supposed to stay as close to 13-14 as possible. And your computer is meant to try and keep it there. Cylinder 3 is still in need of new valves but I do not want to waste the time and money. Should I replace... will they be OK if the car is running rich?

Thanks for your time

Since you have bad valves on Cylinder 3, those readings are not out of line at all. I look at my 1993 Civic as a toy, which I enjoy playing with. I'm constantly doing things to improve it, even when it "ain't broke." I often tell people if you are not using specialized tools, you probably are not growing enough; therefore, I would tear into the car and repair the valves. You will only be happy when they are fixed, plus you will learn a lot.

So is it that the car is running rich due to the CYL 3 not being able to burn all the fuel being dumped into it? And that is why it has lag and is running rich? Running lean is what burned up the CYL but running rich will only burn up O2 sensors and the main body of the engine shld be OK... is this accurate thinking?

Yes, it's trying to compensate for the excess air. Valves frequently get burned, when they are adjusted too tight (especially exhaust valves).

TXGreasemonkey

Can you tell me the factory fuel pressure reading on the 2000 honda civic AT? We installed a gauge by tapping into the banjo bolt. It reads about 38 on the dial. Is this correct/sufficient?

Usually, it's 40 to 47 psi. 38 psi is probably not a show stopper. Make sure you have changed the fuel filter in the last 4 years or 60,000 miles.

I am sure that it has been changed in that timeframe. Does the gauge reading also tell that your fp reg is in proper condition? What other ideas would you have? I want to make sure it is functioning properly b4 i go changing the valves again. Hopefully for the last time.

FP Reg never cause problems on Hondas. No other ideas. I would focus on doing a great job of repairing and adjusting the valves.

What did you say you have for Compression on all cylinders?