Rough idling n stalling

Tiny
DAISY44
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 237,000 MILES
I had my car to the shop about a week ago. Because my valve cover gasket needed changed. So my son who was driving my car. Said the valves needed adjusted. So I dropped it off an the next day they call my son. An said your car is ready. So I go over to pick it up. He said he replaced the valve cover gasket n adjusted my valves. An did a oil change. So I drive it from the shop to get oil n come home. Then we take my husband truck over to get manifold gasket changed. At the time car was running fine. So later that day. They call to say your truck is done. So we get in my car an it idles rough. Then check engine light comes on. Then I go to put it in reverse an it dies. So I start it up n it dies. Then I start it up again an try to put it in reverse an finally get it to where I drive down the road. So we get over to pick up my husband truck. An I tell the mechanic what it is doing. He says put upper grade gas in it. So I get half way home an I stop at a stop sign. An while I was waiting for my son to turn in his dad truck. My car dies. So I finally get it home. An I try to go to the store the next day. An it won’t stay running. I go to put it in drive reverse it dies. I gotta have my foot on the brake an give it gas just to be able to move it up in my driveway.
Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 AT 12:37 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

The idea of a higher-octane fuel isn't going to eliminate what you are experiencing. Especially if this wasn't an issue prior to having the work done.

Since the valve cover was replaced, chances are there is an engine vacuum hose that was left off by accident. That is where I would recommend starting to check. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Now, if you find no leaks, then my next concern is the valve adjustment that was done. If valves are over-adjusted, they can create a compression loss in the engine causing poor or no running conditions. So, that will require a compression test to see if there are indications of lower compression on a cylinder or cylinders.

If you find no leaks, pay attention to see if the engine runs better when it is cold and progressively gets worse when it warms up. Also, let me know if the check engine light stays on when the engine is running.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
DAISY44
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  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I will have my husband check for the vacuum leaks. The check engine light is on constantly now.
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Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
If the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. That will help point us in the right direction.

If you don't have a scanner, most parts stores will do it free of charge.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
DAISY44
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My don n I started it. It has a gas smell. And blue smoke coming out of the exhaust.
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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

I need some clarification. By this, "My don n I started it" do you mean it won't start or it did start?

If you smell fuel and smoke from the exhaust, either it is completely flooded, or the spark plugs are fouled by the fuel. Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
DAISY44
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When we start it, it definitely smells like fuel.
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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 12:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

If you smell gas from the exhaust when it starts, chances are it is getting too much fuel resulting from high fuel pressure. Since the fuel pressure regulator is in the fuel tank on this vehicle, what I suggest is to check the fuel pressure. Here is a link that shows in general how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I attached the manufacturer's specifications below. You will need a fuel pressure gauge for this. However, most parts stores will lend one to you.

Let me know if you are comfortable doing this.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 1:14 PM
Tiny
DAISY44
  • MEMBER
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These are the only 2 codes that come up.
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Friday, April 15th, 2022 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

Both codes indicate a rich fuel mixture. Chances are the fuel pressure is too high. There are different sensors that can cause the issue, but since these are the only codes, I feel it is the fuel pressure.

Are you comfortable performing the test I provided above?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, April 15th, 2022 AT 7:54 PM

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