94 Civic Acceleration/Transmission/Engine Problem?

I really don't know what to title the subject for this, since I have
no idea what is wrong with the car.

I have a 1994 Civic EX, and after having it parked for a year and a
half, I have finally got it back on the road. By the way, it has an
automatic transmission.

It has always (since day one, and the car was bought new by me) been
rough at shifting, which seems like a common problem with the 94
Civic. It also has been a little 'shakey' at low RPMs right after a
gear change, but it has never been a problem.

Recently, since I have been driving it again, I have noticed something
odd. When the car shifts into 3rd (could be second, I have not take
note of that) at 30mph (around 43kmh) the floorboard, steering wheel,
and pedals get very 'jumpy', sort of like going over a rough road. It
feels sort of like driving a manual transmission car in to high of a
gear for the speed, like it is about to stall. To remedy the problem
I have to hit the gas, and accelerate it a few mph higher, and it
stops. It only occurs right at the bottom range of that gear, when
the RPMS are minimal. However, the RPMs are sitting at right around
2000 when this is happening.

Although I have no idea what is wrong, I do not think it is the
transmission as the gear is fine once I hit the gas. Perhaps it could
be the fuel injectors or something else? I have not had to time to
get the car tuned up since un-parking it, but I did have an oil
change, and the oil is clean. Transmission fluid is still clear and
red but when I wipe the stick it leaves a blackish mark. Radiator and
it's fluid look fine, but the air conditioner is out of commission and
does not work at all (I have think that is caused by a slow leak, and
since I can't afford to fix it, it is going to stay broken).

Thanks for the help,

-Jon

 

What does that entail to fix?

 

Could it be that the torque convertor is locking up when it shouldn't
be?

 

Is that in relation to what Mista Bone said, or something completely
different. Other than oil changes and stuff of that caliber I am completely
unexperienced when it comes to cars...

I am hoping this isnt going to be to expensive...

 

I haven't had to do it yet but all reports indicate the problem is with
getting the old O2 sensor out - it's practically welded in and a thread
chaser is usually necessary to clean up the threads. People have reported
success by pre-treating with a penetrating oil, like PB Blaster, for a few
days prior to attempting removal. Other than that it's an easy job.

If "chugging" means what it means to me it could be your valves need
adjusted - typical behavior for valve maladjustment is chugging at light
throttle, expecially on transition from deceleration to light acceleration.
It could also be that sitting idle for all that time is causing a valve to
be a bit sticky. Have you changed the oil recently?... maybe try a fill
with synthetic to see if it'll free things up.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

-----------------------------------
Kingpenguin,

Before jumping into an O2 sensor change, read this article (and others
at this web site) to see if you're approaching the problem from the
wrong end (to use the proctologist's term).
http://www.batauto.com/articles/myth-conception.shtml

'Curly'
-----------------------------------

To REPLY: If there are a couple of underscores in my return address,
you must remove them to reply directly . . . . . . Thanks.

Regarding stage performances: When everyone else has finished playing,
you should not play any notes you have left over. -

 

In regards to Curly's response:
I don't think I am going to attempt an O2 sensor replacement, looks
like a lot of trouble for something that might not be the problem.
The fact that the plugs were shot to hell, and there was what looked
like combustion residue in the plug well (I will call it that instead
of the 'plug hole'...hehehe) makes me think that perhaps the 02 sensor
is bad, but I really do not want to try and fix it myself.

George:
I really don't know if it is 'chugging' that is just what I have heard
other people calling it. Basically the whole front end sort of shakes
and pulsates when it is in 3rd gear at 2000RPMS between 40-60KMH
(whatever that is in MPHs). The second I either take my foot off the
gas, or hit the gas harder the problem stops. It doesnt feel like
gears are slipping...just sort of like (as I said before) a manual
transmission at too low of an RPM (not jumping, but really really
rough).

I cannot at this point say if it is getting worse or not, but it is
really really annoying as most of the side streets in Calgary, Alberta
are right at the speed which this occurs.

I hate cars, they cost to much money. The plug wires ended up costing
me 80$CDN (55$US). Of course the ones for the 2 doors were much
cheaper, but they dont fit, go figure.