Cb7's mysterious symptoms..

[heretoaskstuff]

Hello heretoaskstuff and everyone,

I have a 92 accord 2nd owner till today. It died like 3 times like yours did, it would random die while driving, and it was always the main relay.

if distributor works, Alternator ok, and engine starts while your getting sparks and getting fuel, it should not shut off at all. You know relays can seem ok, but when you are on the road, "vibrations" will make it falter. It's probably that.
GL man

You're right, I already have a brand new main relay straight from honda and a few other parts to put on my car but it's hard to find the time to replace it when I'm working 12 hours everyday of the week, and my personal schedule is backed up.):

[Obr_Chaos]

I think it's your main relay.

Hello heretoaskstuff and everyone,

I have a 92 accord 2nd owner till today. It died like 3 times like yours did, it would random die while driving, and it was always the main relay.

if distributor works, Alternator ok, and engine starts while your getting sparks and getting fuel, it should not shut off at all. You know relays can seem ok, but when you are on the road, "vibrations" will make it falter. It's probably that.
GL man

[Accord problems]

How To Diagnose Exhaust Restrictions.

[accordztech]

No its a clogged cat. Clogged cat symptoms would be:

Idles fine, but as you accelerate you get less and less power. You can confirm this with a VAC guage. Monitor the VAC at idle, then raise to 2500 rpm...it should be very close to the same...if its lower then the CAT is clogged or there is a exhaust restriction.

[heretoaskstuff]

That does sound like a plugged catalytic converter. I had a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee that did that, I thought it was an electrical problem and replaced so many expensive parts before I just had a new catalytic converter welded on. It would run fine for 20-30 minutes then die when I tried to accelerate and wouldn't start again for 20-30 minutes.

My Jeep was 3/4 under water at one point in time and that is most likely what killed the converter, not the exhaust itself.

My car was sitting for a few years so maybe this could've caused the cat to get clogged?

[wildBill83]

I don't think it is then lol. I've noticed that it cuts off and on when under heavy acceleration, SOMETIMES it'll cut off and back on when cruising around. After it does that if I park it, it'll crank but it won't turn over unless it sits for a while.

That does sound like a plugged catalytic converter. I had a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee that did that, I thought it was an electrical problem and replaced so many expensive parts before I just had a new catalytic converter welded on. It would run fine for 20-30 minutes then die when I tried to accelerate and wouldn't start again for 20-30 minutes.

My Jeep was 3/4 under water at one point in time and that is most likely what killed the converter, not the exhaust itself.

[heretoaskstuff]

Clogged catalysts are largely a thing of the past. Modern catalysts have much better substrates, which both flow better and are less likely to break up.

I have seen pictures of catalysts clogged with MMT (a fuel additive to raise octane that used to be available in Canada). But even here the clogging was only around the edges and the center of the catalyst was still open. It reduced power and fuel economy a bit, but not so much that the driver would notice.

I'm not saying it can't happen. But it is rare these days.

I don't think it is then lol. I've noticed that it cuts off and on when under heavy acceleration, SOMETIMES it'll cut off and back on when cruising around. After it does that if I park it, it'll crank but it won't turn over unless it sits for a while.

[heretoaskstuff]

Now my lights dim when I shift and let the clutch out, sometimes it'll dim while coasting. But so far it hasn't cut off or stopped turning over for about two days.

[wagon-r]

Is it possible that it could be a clogged cat chokin down the engine? Because all electrical stuff still works after it cuts off. The interior lights and high beams dim a little every now and then though.

Clogged catalysts are largely a thing of the past. Modern catalysts have much better substrates, which both flow better and are less likely to break up.

I have seen pictures of catalysts clogged with MMT (a fuel additive to raise octane that used to be available in Canada). But even here the clogging was only around the edges and the center of the catalyst was still open. It reduced power and fuel economy a bit, but not so much that the driver would notice.

I'm not saying it can't happen. But it is rare these days.

[accordztech]

You will see a ground bolted directly on the thermostat. I'm highly doubting thats your issue tho.

[heretoaskstuff]

I'd bring a tool 8 or 10 mil socket.

Drive around and when it dies unscrew the service port on the fuel rail and turn the key on to see if u have fuel flow.

Check also the ground on the thermostat housing.

Alright, I'll try that. Where's the ground for the thermostat?

[accordztech]

I'd bring a tool 8 or 10 mil socket.

Drive around and when it dies unscrew the service port on the fuel rail and turn the key on to see if u have fuel flow.

Check also the ground on the thermostat housing.

[heretoaskstuff]

When it does not start listen for the main relay . It will make a CLICKING noise from under the dash . I no clicking then i would suspect main relay . I once had a interment no start and when it did not start there would be no clicking from main relay. I fix main relay and problem went away .

Yeah the main relay works. It clicks when I try to start it. It's like I'm trying to turn the car on when I don't have gas but I know it's getting gas. We checked the whole fuel system, from the tank and pump to the filter and injectors.

[heretoaskstuff]

Is it possible that it could be a clogged cat chokin down the engine? Because all electrical stuff still works after it cuts off. The interior lights and high beams dim a little every now and then though.

[Accord problems]

So I took it to the shop and they tested the battery and alternator and they said it works just fine, I told them the problems I was having and they looked at me like I was crazy until I took one of them for a ride. They don't have a clue what's causing it either.

When it does not start listen for the main relay . It will make a CLICKING noise from under the dash . I no clicking then i would suspect main relay . I once had a interment no start and when it did not start there would be no clicking from main relay. I fix main relay and problem went away .