[rexer08]

Hi, I have an '89 honda crx, and I can't seem to figure out what the problem is. The car ran great, and one night just quit when I came to a stop. The thing confusing me is that it will start and idle fine if I put my hand over the throttle body as to choke it, but if I don't it will just crank and crank. After I get it started it will idle, but if I hit the throttle sharply it will bog down and die. If I open the throttle slowly, it seems to start to miss around 2,500 rpm. The fuel pressure is good(just put a new pump in recently). Also there is no check engine light. I replaced the TPS, but made no difference. Any help would be appreciated.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Begin by ensuring the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor are in great shape. After that, test/replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil. The problem likely resides with the ICM and/or coil.

[rexer08]

Thanks, I found a whole brand new distributor for about the same price as the local parts store sells the ignition module, so I guess I'll order that.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

There have been many problems on this site with non-Honda aftermarket distributors, including those off eBay and major auto parts stores.

[rexer08]

Ok, so I have replaced the ICM. It also has a working computer and map sensor (tested). For some reason I still can't get it to run right. No CEL, just won't start most of the time, and if it does, it won't accelerate without bogging or backfiring. Checked the main relay, doesn't appear to be a problem there.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did you test/replace the coil?

[rexer08]

The coil and cap were the first things I replaced when the car stopped running.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Check the timing. Try rotating the distributor counterclockwise to advance the timing. I bet the people who installed the new distributor didn't know how to properly set the timing. Loosen the 3 mounting bolts and rotate it slightly counterclockwise and see if everything improves markedly. If it does, you solved the problem and then you can place a strobe light on it to set it spot on.

[rexer08]

Thanks, I'll check it out right now.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Here's how to set the timing more precisely:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post219963

I can closely set a Honda's timing by ear.

[rexer08]

Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did advancing the timing help?

[rexer08]

Yes it did. The strange thing is that now it won't idle right, so I'm suspecting my IAC. For now I just have the IAC disconnected and the throttle body open manually to idle. I plan on taking it off and either cleaning it or replacing it(hopefully just cleaning).

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Cleaning the IACV and the throttle body should do the trick. Remember, you don't want to have the timing advanced so much that the engine just races and doesn't idle properly. Follow the FAQ Sticky on how to set the idle speed and timing.