New Gen4 owner with Big problem.

[CamCyrus]

Hi all,

A little background...After a long search for a used car, I decided to go with either the Accord 98-00 or the gen4 cam. Prices in Quebec for cars are truly outrageous, and finding the accord or the cam for less than 7000$ and under 200 000KM is rare.
Long story short, I met an asian guy who could hardly speak english and wanted to sell his gen4 cam ce for 5400$ with 120KM on it but with no repairs records. It was risky, but my dad owns a gen 3 which I love also, so I figure if theres one car ill take my chances with its a cam. So I took it.

Now for the problems.
Everything on the car is original. Nothing has been changed.

so the list is,

Alternator Belt
Timing Belt and Water pump
Spark plugs + wires? (+ air filter ?)

My knowledge of mechanics is somewhat limited, and I'm not able to piece together how everything works with each other and so on but I'm trying to learn.

The huge issue is my Fuel consumption. I bought the 4cyl cam cuz I thought Id be saving gas. Instead I'm using a disgusting 13.5m/gallon in city. I had the car checked by 2 mechanics before I bought the car, both said the car was good and worth it. But neither checked for sludge i dont think( I learnt about it after I bought the car).

What could possibly affect my fuel consumption THAT much ????

Please help, Im starting to feel like I might have to sell the car sooner rather than later....

[karl_karl]

1) Seafoam the car. Search for threads that contain videos on how to do it. Seafoam is a product that will clean out your engine's carbon deposits. Or you can buy a three piece engine cleaning set by BG-44k online from Ebay, does the same thing. I have used it and I'm not that mechanically inclined myself. Seafoam is probably $10 in Canada, check NAPA. Partsource doesn't carry it. Easier to find in the States, check online.


2) Bite the bullet and take the car in for a tune-up. Around Hamilton this will cost close to $100-130 depending on the shop. Or you can buy a spark plug socket and do the job yourself.

3) Check tire pressure.

4) If you are unlucky it's the O2 sensors which are expensive to replace. So try the cheaper steps first.


I have a GEN-3 and can get between 600-700 kms per 55 litres of fuel, so your mileage is terrible!

Karl

[dc_98_cam]

.... Probably be a good idea to change the oil, oil filter, and air filter before you do anything else. An examination of the used oil might give you some idea as to the engine condition.

These items that you have mentioned could affect your mpg and performance in general. A slight stretching of the timing belt might be enough to decrease the combustion efficiency.

Timing Belt and Water pump
Spark plugs + wires? (+ air filter ?)

Then re-evaluate ....

When you remove the spark plugs, you should pay attention to their condition.
Ideal combustion is usually seen with a light brown powder or coating on the used plug electrodes. If the electrode is oily or wet with gas, then this could also be an indication of something not being up to par. .... Post some pictures if you do the work yourself. See the instructional sticky at the top of the forum page .... photobucket ... nothing to it.

[deezeejoey]

i have a gen4, inonly get abhout 20-23 mpg....

the sefpam thing might be a good idea, but i hear it u do it wrong u can fuck up your engine.

[CamCyrus]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Im wondering if the seafoam technique is similar or equivalent to 'power flushing' your engine?

There is one another problem that may help in the diagnosis. If I floor the car off the line theres no problem, if I floor I floor while in 2nd or 3rd the car doesn't respond right away, it jerks or hesitates then speeds up.

Thanks again!

[dc_98_cam]

Originally Posted by CamCyrus

Thanks for the tips guys.

Im wondering if the seafoam technique is similar or equivalent to 'power flushing' your engine?

There is one another problem that may help in the diagnosis. If I floor the car off the line theres no problem, if I floor I floor while in 2nd or 3rd the car doesn't respond right away, it jerks or hesitates then speeds up.

Thanks again!

Several factors working here .. some engine related ...power and combustion efficiency, and some transmission related .... solenoid activation or transmission valve body action, maybe.

One additional maintenance procedure which might improve the situation is to drain the transmission fluid from the pan, remove the pan, and then refill with an equal amount of transmission fluid. ... I suggest that you take the time to clean the sludge from the pan .... transmission fluid sludge might be contributing to the problem. Some people drive, drain, and refill 2 or 3 times to insure that most of the transmission fluid in the system is new and clean, and properly lubricating the moving parts of the transmission. You might see some beneficial improvements with just one drain/fill cycle.

Try using the search tab on the forum page ... a lot of the basic jobs have been discussed repeatedly.

[EvoFire]

Also to consider, are your brakes sticking by any chance? Is there any abnormal bumps, vibrations or shudders when you brake? Sticky calipers will hurt, a lot.

[CamCyrus]

Originally Posted by EvoFire

Also to consider, are your brakes sticking by any chance? Is there any abnormal bumps, vibrations or shudders when you brake? Sticky calipers will hurt, a lot.

Yes they do! I figured it was the brake rotors that need to be changed.

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by CamCyrus

Yes they do! I figured it was the brake rotors that need to be changed.

Then I guess get the brakes done, and check if its sticking. If the mechanic is decent, when you mention it they would know what you are talking about.