87 honda accord-idling high

['Curly Q. Links']

With no warning lights, my 1987 Honda Accord began to idle high while
driving on the highway. I could see I was only giving it a slight amount of
gas. Once in town, it was running 3 & 4 rpms while in neutral. After about
20 minutes of stop and go (I was putting it in 1st gear at stops with my
feet pressing the clutch and break enough to keep the engine low) it was
running warm and gave what was likely a burning odor.

The car has 177K miles on it and is a very reliable car.

Does anyone have suggestions to what may cause this, how I can fix it, and/
or how much this may cost. I don't have any money for large repairs right
now.

Any information is greatly appreciated! Happy 2004

=======================

With engine cool, open rad cap and check fluid level. Should be full to
very top. Expansion tank should be half full.

'Curly'

================

 

[Vaughan's]

With no warning lights, my 1987 Honda Accord began to idle high while
driving on the highway. I could see I was only giving it a slight amount of
gas. Once in town, it was running 3 & 4 rpms while in neutral. After about
20 minutes of stop and go (I was putting it in 1st gear at stops with my
feet pressing the clutch and break enough to keep the engine low) it was
running warm and gave what was likely a burning odor.

The car has 177K miles on it and is a very reliable car.

Does anyone have suggestions to what may cause this, how I can fix it, and/
or how much this may cost. I don't have any money for large repairs right
now.

Any information is greatly appreciated! Happy 2004

 

[Eric]

With no warning lights, my 1987 Honda Accord began to idle high while
driving on the highway. I could see I was only giving it a slight amount
of gas. Once in town, it was running 3 & 4 rpms while in neutral. After
about 20 minutes of stop and go (I was putting it in 1st gear at stops
with my feet pressing the clutch and break enough to keep the engine low)
it was running warm and gave what was likely a burning odor.

The burning smell was probably from the clutch. It's likely that you have
dramatically shortened its service life by riding it at stoplights in order
to keep the idle down.

On another note, you did not indicate whether your car was carbureted or
fuel injected. This information is critical for anyone to be able to give
you any meaningful advice.

Eric

 

[Vaughan's]

After another close call with the idle high after riding a bit, and
realizing this time the temperature gauge had fallen below cold, I checked
the thermostat and found it was sticking. A $6 trip to the auto parts store
and 1 1/2 hours later, it's running smooth. (And the heat is much warmer
than before.)

A new thermostat did the trick!

Thanks for the help.