I have a ‘96 accord, 4 cylinder with 168k on the dash and my engine does not run smooth anymore. I am not sure how to explain how the engine sounds, but it sounds like either the pistons (valves) or something is running rough (as opposed to the quieter, smoother sound that I would like it to run at).

Could it be a product of the mileage on my car (and/or the fact that is it a 4 cylinder with that many miles on it)? Is there anything (repairs) that I can do to get my engine to start running smoother? Should this be a concern? Thank you.

ATLanta Mike

 

Please list the maintenance you've done in the past 30k miles.

Ever adjust the valve clearance?

 

I have never adjusted the valve clearance? I recently had my timing belt changed less than 10k ago. Other than that, just routine oil changes.

 

This isn't a product of simple mileage, it's a product of not taking care of your automobile properly. Do a search on routine maintenance. This topic is gone over VERY frequently, maybe e3nine should make a sticky out of a nice example thread You need to start taking better care of your car if you want it to run nicely

 

Thank you.

I am new at trying to perform good maintenance on my car and admittedly should have been taking better care of my car in the past. Other than routine maintenance (that I cannot go back and retroactively perform) do you know of anything that can be done (repairs) to help. What would be causing the rough running of the engine?

Will adjusting the valve clearance help with this issue? thank you for the input.

 

I have no idea if a valve adjustment will fix the problem, simply saying the engine sounds "rough" isn't enough to solve the problem. Either way, the problem is most likely caused by many factors.

Do a search in this forum for "maintenance". Read up on how to use seafoam, change spark plugs, clean EGR, lucas fuel system cleaner, etc etc. Step one for you is to buy a Helms manual.

 

'Prec, my main man mellow. I will get a Helms and look into these repairs. Thanks for all of the info, chief!

 

Well if you have any specific questions feel free, but the basics of routine maintenace are:

1) Filters
2) Cleaners to eat away the bad stuff (IE seafoam and lucas)
3) Ignition (plugs/wires/rotor/cap)

In that order.

If you take care of all those, you can eliminate those potential problem sources (like a clogged air filter, old spark plugs, worn spark plug wires, etc) and avoid spending hundreds of dollars on things like valve adjustment if you don't even need it. But you probably do if you've never had it done. I'm at 220k and my engine still sounds like new...just keep it well lubricated and make sure air can enter the engine efficienty, combust with gasoline efficiently and exit quickly

 

I understand. I have had the timing belt changed twice, changed the plugs periodically, and given it routine oil changes. But there is a lot more I should have done. I am begining to get an idea of how valuable these Accords are and how long they can last if properly cared for. If not too late, I will do a lot of this maintenance to see if I can get it running smoothly. If not, I will see what else I need to get done to getting it running smooth.

I am familiar with seafoam. What all is it used for?

 

It doesn't sound like it's too late. Just look around and change your fluids and filters and clean everything out

Seafoam basically eats away at carbon deposits that accumulate in your engine and clog it up. They can accumulate on pistons, in the intake manifold, clog up the EGR valve, basically anywhere that exhaust gas will travel. So everywhere inside your engine. If used properly it eats this away. If used improperly (too often), it'll kill your catalytic converter. I use it every 30k miles when I change my NGK V-Power plugs. Always change your spark plugs after you use it because it does mean stuff to them, too.