Surging but on a Fuel Injected

[Bruce Hunt]

I read the forum someone else had on surging and his vehicle was carbed. I would really appreciate hearing more on the likely problems that could be causing it. My daughters 87 SI is having that problem and it now happens whether the engine is warm or cold. I have the same problem in the mid warm range on an Accord. It goes away once it gets warm and doesn't happen at the cold end of the scale.

In that thread I was reading that the O2 sensor could be shot. It mentioned a means of testing the sensor and I would like to hear more. This is a frustrating annoyance. The vehicles run great, but that surging is so distracting. Assistance would really be appreciated.

[lxndr]

Its probably the EICV (engine idle control valve) located on the back side of the intake manifold. This is a common problem with older SI's, just take the EICV apart and clean it out. If that doesn't do the trick, then check your TPS (throttle position sensor) located on the throttle body. Pick up a repair manual and it will tell you the procedure for checking the resistance in the TPS.

[Bruce Hunt]

Thanks much. Do you know if there is an EICV on the 90 accord as well?

[lxndr]

The Accord probably has an IACV which is essentially the same as an EICV.

[Bruce Hunt]

OK, I have the manual on the car but the EICV is not really discussed and I want to make sure I locate the right thing. Is it on the firewall side of the engine sitting on top of the intake on the right as you look at the engine from the front of the car? It is sensor that is secured by two phillips head screws sitting on a rubber spacer?

You also mentioned that cleaning it might make the difference. Is there a simple way to test it and should it need to be replaced is it expensive and readily available?

[lxndr]

It is located on the backside of the intake manifold close to the firewall. It is cylindrical in shape and held on by 2 bolts.

It kinda' looks like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WD1V
This isn't the right one for your car, it was just the easiest image to find.

[Bruce Hunt]

First let me make a correction. The car is an 86 Honda Civic SI and there is no EICV on the vehicle. The part described and shown as an example has two hoses on it for water from the engine. This vehicle does not have that.

Mentioned next was a check of the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). I will look for that. Is the O2 sensor resemble a spart plug on the exhaust?

At first the engine would surge occasionally or a little. That grew to the point where it is now surging all the time unless the throttle is manually pushed. Therefore, there is now surging if you sit and rev up the engine a little or while driving.

Any assistance would greatly be appreciated.

[lxndr]

Originally Posted by Bruce Hunt

The car is an 86 Honda Civic SI and there is no EICV on the vehicle.

Wanna bet.

As mentioned before, the one pictured is not for your car, but it's the closest picture I could find easily and should give you an idea of what you're looking for.

Look towards the backside of the intake maniflod plenum. The EICV will have a circular cap with 2 screws in it and will also have 2 hoses attached to it. It's pretty much the only thing attached to the back side of the plenum.

If it helps, I'll post a picture of the one on my car.

[Bruce Hunt]

You are right, big time. I found the valve and took it off. I took it apart and cleaned it, then put it back on. The engine ran great and idled beautifully. My daughter drove the car and about a day later it would not start. She finally got it started and now it is surging again. Would you replace the EICV and if so can you make a suggestion on how I find the part to purchase?

Also, I know you guys don't hear enough of this, but thanks so much for your help!