'88 Civic w/ SOHC ZC hesitation/overheating/poor mileage

[Spider151]

Hello,
I have a 1988 Honda Civic DX. The original engine blew so I put in a SOHC ZC not really knowing what/why. I had the same problems before I put in the newer engine too. I want to put in MPFI and do some other tuning but I want to make certain it runs well before I spend the cash!! Here are the symptoms:

1. studders on acceleration - I think you can here it pinging
2. it over heats - thermostat has been replaced 3 or 4 times - no 3.
change
3. eat gas like mad!

Again, these problems all existed on the orignial long block as well. I don't have others work on it but I did take it to two shops to help w/ trouble shooting and they couldn't figure anything out.

Any suggestions would be a big help!

Thanks,

Spider151

[Spider151]

awwww, anybody got some ideas? I could really use any suggestions. This is my daily driver too, making it really difficult!

[cot]

maybe check the radiator for a clog?

i assume new engine means new water pump, so that shouldnt be an issue

i believe overheating can cause pinging (kinda tough to decide which is the chicken vs. egg here)

[Spider151]

It pings before it warms up. I am going to get the radiator checked at a radiator shop... maybe I should just replace it. They are only $125 for stock. It takes a long time though before it gets too hot. Regular driving, around town or below about 65 mph and it runs perfect!! Well kinda, she studders like crazy below 2500 rpm.

I didn't know pinging can be caused from over heating, thanks!

[cot]

Sure - I'm not an expert but I've heard that if your car's overheating, the hot cylinder walls can cause early detonation (like a diesel I guess)

But that goes against the problem with power at low rpms. I assume there's no reason to suspect the timing of being off?

[Spider151]

Originally Posted by cot

Sure - I'm not an expert but I've heard that if your car's overheating, the hot cylinder walls can cause early detonation (like a diesel I guess)

But that goes against the problem with power at low rpms. I assume there's no reason to suspect the timing of being off?

No chance. I have been over the entire vehicle with a fine tooth comb. The only tools I don't have, that I'm trying to get, are a fuel pressure tester and a vacume pump/gauge.

I have even changed the cam timing - the low end still has trouble and the more I change it the worse the top end gets. Very weird.


*** Update Now the ecu is giving me code 16: fuel injection problem.

I think I should replace the injectors, it's only dual point. Beyond that I haven't got a clue, I have checked nearly every possible item... bad ecu?