Adjustment procedures To ensure the best performance and economy of your engine, it needs to be tuned up regularly. While computerized engine management and the use of more durable engine components have reduced the need for ignition...
Spark plug The spark plugs ignite the mixture of air and fuel in the cylinder when the piston reaches its maximum compression point. Controlled ignition causes the piston to move down, turning the crankshaft and other engine...
Removing spark plugs CAUTION: Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the radiator fan. On some vehicles, the fans may turn on automatically up to 15 minutes after the engine is turned off. 1. Number the wires so as not to mix them up...
Inspection of spark plugs Check spark plugs for deposits and wear. If you are not going to replace them, then you need to thoroughly clean the candles. This can be done with either a very fine sandpaper or a small flat file. Do not use a wire...
Installing spark plugs The 1990-91 Accord and Prelude use a new type of spark plug with a longer tip and shorter lead. When replacing these spark plugs, make sure to use the same (identical) candle type. Cars using this type of spark plug...
Wires for connecting spark plugs Check and replacement At each adjustment, visually inspect the cables for deposits, breaks, or damage to the insulation. Check the caps and nipples on the distributor cap and coil. Replace any damaged wires. Always...
Ignition frequency The ignition frequency is the order in which the ignition alternates between cylinders. The spark must occur at the correct time in the combustion cycle, otherwise the engine may be damaged. For this reason, connecting...
Electronic ignition — description and diagnostics System Description All 1984-91 vehicles are equipped with an electronic ignition system. There are no contacts and no capacitor in this system; it does not require periodic maintenance. The electronic ignition systems...
Checking and adjusting the magnetic resistance gap 1984-89 Accord and carb. 1984-90 Prelude. 1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor. 2. Rotate the crankshaft so that the magnetic resistance marks line up with the ends of the stator. 3. Using non-metallic gauges, check...
Breaker Module Verification ACCORD and PRELUDE 1984-89 with HITACHI distributor 1. Disconnect the wires from the breaker module. 2. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the blue wire and ground, and then between the black-yellow wire and...
Breaker Module Input Check Checking the breaker module input on ACCORD 1990-91 1. Remove the distributor cap, rotor and screen. 2. Tag and disconnect 4 wires from the breaker module. 3. Turn on the ignition (to the ON position). Check with a...
Spark test The spark test is used to see if the ignition system is supplying current through the coil to the distributor. Use this check as a preliminary test in case you crank the engine and it does not start. This is a simple...
Ignition coil test All resistance values are given for a coil temperature of 21°C. The resistance will change with temperature. Use common sense when interpreting data. ACCORD 1984-85 and PRELUDE 1984-86 1. Number the wires and disconnect...
Replacement of parts of the ignition system Replacing the distributor cap and rotor The cover of the distributor is screwed to the housing. With the ignition off, unscrew or remove the screws and remove the cover. Inspect the inside of the lid for cracks...
Ignition timing — check and adjustment Ignition timing is the specification of the timing of the spark in relation to the position of the piston, in degrees of the crankshaft angle. Ideally, the air-fuel mixture ignites and begins to expand rapidly as soon...
Valve clearance — adjustment As part of every major tune-up or service, valve clearances should be checked and adjusted if necessary. For all Accords and Preludes covered in this book, it is recommended to do this every 25,000 km or every 12...
Air-fuel mixture adjustment This procedure is used to adjust basic idle on carburetor engines after carburetor replacement or repair. Usually, the mixture composition is set at the factory and should not be changed or adjusted randomly. Laws in...
Idle speed control Carburetor engines On carbureted engines, the idle speed should be checked with the engine normally warm and the fast idle system not engaged. Connect an external tachometer or use the stock one on the dashboard; the...