questions

[n0obi]

I've just been given a DC2 recently, that isn't running as good as it was a year ago when I drove it. A year ago it use to chirp in 2nd and 3rd, acceleration was nice, it use to pull pretty nicely when changing gears.

So I thought general maintenance will get this car back to it's former glory, so I've had the 100,000km service done, it's recently had an exedy clutch installed about 5-10,000km's ago so it's had some time to burn in. Basically I want to get this car back to how it performed a year ago, what could have changed in one year that makes the car not run as good ?

Another thing I've noticed is that after driving for a while, the clutch seems like it doesn't spring back up as far, but then will go back to it's normal spring back position.

Guys I would really appreciate your input, i'm planning on getting a new ECU and headers soon but I really don't want to do that when my car isn't running 100%.

[McChook]

Hmmm, firstly..
It always seems faster the first time you drive a car...
Don't ask why, but when you drive something so often, it beginsto feel slower and slower, when infact, it hasn't really changed

I guess it depends on what engine it has, but B18s (from As to Cs) seem to all be pretty lively as the age...

As for where to look for what is causing any problem - everywhere. General age wears everything. It is amazing the difference oils, spark plug, plug leads and other sundries make when replaced, as the wear down slowly, it can take some time before you notice any problems.
Also, a Honda 100,000km service does not include any cylinder head checking - That is done every 40,000 kms (well it is on the Prelude anyway) - I notived my car was lacking a lot of power from over 7000rpm - it felt dead and barely climbed for a few weeks - had the service with tappets re-aligned, and it screamed all the way to 8K again...

Basically, it could be anything, but it is often a combination of the smaller things

[n0obi]

It's a B18C and I get what you're saying about being faster when you first drive it. But the thing is I remember it pulling really hard when changing gears, from 1st to 2nd the tyres would chirp, doesn't do that anymore. A local mechanic suggested I try one of those machines that clean out the carbon build up, they cost about $3-400, are they worth a go ?

[McChook]

Hmm, yeah, worth looking at...
1st -2nd chirp ina B18C should always be there, so it does sound like it is down on grunt.

Could also be a blocked cat - that is supposed to affect top end the most....

[n0obi]

I think the exhaust has been changed from a custom to a HKS + high flow cat. Other than that everything is pretty much the same. I'm pretty determined to get this car running like it should, so please keep the suggestions coming.

[McChook]

What size is the exhaust??

[n0obi]

It's about 2.25 cat back, don't know how big the muffler is. I cleaned out the air filter and it rev's a bit nicer when cold, but it feels the more I drive the more power I lose.

[TODA AU]

Things to do...
Bleed clutch hydrulic system & adjust pedal...
Earth the blue wire & check/set ignition timing... 16deg
Check engine earth... <0.5~1.0 Ohms
Remove exhaust catalyst & inspect for obstruction...
Compression test... (+ Cylinder leakage test if fail)
Check variable intake system... Vacuum lines & function
Check cam timing & valve lash...
Test Vtec system for correct operation... (Shop air o fitting on fromt of head - left of # 4 cyl - remove cover & block oil gallery) Test Vtec solinoid.
Check fuel pressure regulator / fuel pressure / flow
Check / replace fuel filter if nessesary

[tinkerbell]

maybe also check the resistance of sparkplug leads and the spark plugs - maybe the iridiums are past useby...??

change/clean distributor cap and rotor of there is buildup on the inside terminals...

aslo ensure your air filter is clean...

[n0obi]

Ok cleaning an air filter is about as mechanical as I get ^^;
What would it cost me to get a mechanic to check all that ?

In fact, what places in Melbourne are capable of doing this ?

[wynode]

Ok cleaning an air filter is about as mechanical as I get ^^;
What would it cost me to get a mechanic to check all that ?

In fact, what places in Melbourne are capable of doing this ?
We cannot diagnose and fix your problem over the internet especially if cleaning an air filter is the most technical thing you can do.

Best thing to do is take it to a reputable mechanic, explains your problem(s) and have them service it and diagnose the above.

[fried]

isnt "chirping gears" induced by driver style, and not neccessarily a product of fault?

adrian!, how much does all that checking/servicing cost?

[joneblaze]

Yes, but I think noobi is suggesting he was able to induce a chirp in the past, and the engine "performance" is not allowing in at present, despite effort. :)

[Weq]

isnt "chirping gears" induced by driver style, and not neccessarily a product of fault?

adrian!, how much does all that checking/servicing cost?

ive never chirped gears. damn my car must be outa tune..

[n0obi]

Basically in the past, on this car, when u change gears it would pull the car nicely, so hard that it chirps when put into 2nd. Now when you change gears it doesn't feel like it's pulling as hard as it should. It even feels like the car slows down a bit everytime u change gears. Well i'll take the mod's advice and just take it to a workshop instead of hassling you guys.

[fried]

lol no hassle mate.

this site is for learning more etc. no harm in asking. at least now when u take it to a mechanic and he says *rah rah* you'll have some sort of idea of what he talking about.