The stuttering Honda

[Trivium Pursuit]

Or, 'What do you mean, $1100!'

All, I have a 98 Accord with 147K on it. About a year ago, the check engine light came on for the first time. Went to Honda dlrshp, and they said, 'this means your catalytic converter is about to go'. So I said, 'fine, how much'. and they said $1100....
After getting off the floor, I thanked them and drove away. Took it to my FIL who lives out in the country, 160 miles away. He took it to some exhaust shop who did 'something', and charged about $90 for it. So we're happy. Some months later, it started to stutter a bit, and the check eng light eventually came back on.
So I took it to an independant fellow who is a Honda expert. He said that the folk out in the country replumbed things such that(inexact quote) the upstream and downstream sensors are now reversed, and will always get a slightly incorrect reading, and therefor the stutter and check engine light are now more or less permanent, but no big deal.

Well, in Ohio to get your licence plates, you have to pass emissions testing...except that for 96 and new cars, they don't check your exhaust, they read your computer. and the fact that my light comes on means I fail. I have called someone on their 'approved list', and they have said, that they may be able to use a converter with nox beds and resolve the problem. They're not sure, they'll ahve to see it, etc. Taking over Tuesday. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

TP

 

[Ultrconservative]

TP,

I suspect that your "country folk" fixed your problem with a peice of 1/2 steel pipe.....driven thru the converter with a 3 pound hammer.

It is a solution I have used a few times, to fix a balky motor.

Problem with this solution is that it royaly screws up the readings of the O2 sensors....both fore and aft ...if so equipped. Makes the 'puter rather put out and pi$$ed off. Almost always makes that angry yellow engine light flash at you non-stop.

Possible work arounds are to disconect the sensors...not sure how a Hondaca with react to that though. It will almost with-out a doubt screw your gas milage, and cause a rich/or lean mix to your engine,,,ultimately effecting your power out-put.

Best possible solution is to sell that sucker and buy ANYTHING made prior to 1988. You can get the whole damn car for $1100....and you can drive as many pipes as you wish thru the exhaust system with-out pi$$ing off the 'puter. And the 'puter won't rat you out 'cause it's to dumb to count the pipe punctures in its' muffler...or converter.

Either that or move to a state where the F'in damn bererucrats(sp?) haven't got to the point where they watch you while you pee, drive, screw and cough.

YMMV....JMHO....no frogs killed during the pee break I made while posting...etc.

 

[intothatgoodnight]

Trivium Pursuit,

I have accounts set up at a couple/five dealerships around town, which allow me to buy factory parts at jobber cost -- the cost savings can often amount to 50% or more, compared to the retail cost of the part. Have several friends who use my less expensive access to factory parts when fixing their cars -- am glad to oblige.

Do you know any small shops that may be able to get the correct Honda part(s) at a lesser price, and install for less than $1100.00?

That Honda, properly maintained, should be good for an easy 200K -- I and friends have driven our several Hondas and Toyotas to 250-300K, as long as they are driven in a sane fashion, and scrupulous attentions are paid to timely servicing and normal maintenance.


intothegoodnight

 

[mudwrench]

i live in ohio i have had a few excessive smokers pass the e check with flying colors we have decided that they only want your money now and if there if a warning light a little piece of electrical tapes works wonders to put it out.................