High idle speed on 1988 Accord

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Alex Rodriguez, Jun 22, 2006.

  1. I got a call from my inlaws because thier 88 Accord LX was idling high. I
    had changed the timing belt and alternator on this car about 5k miles ago.
    No problems, except for a easily fixed squealing belt, after the work was
    done. They recently took the car in to get inspected and the mechanic told
    them the car was not going to pass inspection unless they cleaned the
    carburetor. Apparently the mechanic used a whole can on the carb and then
    the car passed inspection. Shortly thereafter the idle speed jumped. When the
    car is cold if you step on the gas the idle speed drops to about 1k. After the
    car warms up, it idles at around 2k. I'm going to give the car the once over
    this weekend. Anyone have any tips on where I might start looking for the
    problem?
     
    Alex Rodriguez, Jun 22, 2006
    #1
  2. Maybe the carb cleaner he used fouled up a sensor in the carb?
     
    loewent via CarKB.com, Jun 22, 2006
    #2
  3. Alex Rodriguez

    AZ Nomad Guest

    What sensor?
     
    AZ Nomad, Jun 22, 2006
    #3
  4. Is it an auto trans? If so, a common problem with that model (I'm still
    driving our '88 Accord LX back and forth to work so I'm VERY familiar with
    that vehicle) is a faulty Frequency Valve C which causes this symptom. I
    replaced the original one around four years ago with a used one(around $40)
    from Matta Motors(www.mattamotors.com). When I bought it they confirmed that
    it was a very common problem and were very familiar with it. It was fine
    until a year ago and then it would again occasionally refuse to kick down to
    normal idle speed....racing at 2000+ rpm when in P or N. I've found that
    smacking the side of it several times with a wrench works wonders :)

    It's the small, black cylinder-shaped thing on the passenger's side(mounted
    in the fender well) in the engine bay. It's located directly under the
    fusebox and it has TWO vacuum hoses going to it.
     
    Headknocker via CarKB.com, Jun 23, 2006
    #4
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.