On Wed, 06 Jul 2005 01:25:36 GMT, Jonathan Upright
<qaesar1@carolina.rr.com> wrote:

>Car: 1990 Honda Civic LX, 5-speed, 1.5L SOHC DPFI.
>
>Question: Can anyone explain, or point me to a site that explains, the
>exact functions the main relay is responsible for?
>
>Here is the reason why I ask. My main relay is screwed up, because it
>will not start when it's hot. I have to reach down and squeeze the crap
>out of it while pressing the clutch and turning the key for my engine to
>fire. (Yes, I have unbolted the relay from its original position and
>have it dangling beneath my dash. Otherwise, I couldn't drive my car
>anywhere) Once I do get the car to start, while it does run, it
>sputters when idling. (The "rhythm" of the sputter is quite irregular)
> The power curve is very erratic. Between 1k-2k RPMs, acceleration is
>very sluggish, (even in 1st gear) almost like I have a fouled plug.
>(That's not the issue, the plugs and wires are all brand-new) Once I
>pass 2k, there is a surge of power, then at 5k, another surge of power.
> Kind of a nifty effect, but I know it's not supposed to do that. I
>recently replaced my distributor, and the timing is set right in the
>middle. (I have no timing light to set it exactly) Regardless of how I
>set the timing, the sputtering is still present, so I've pretty much
>ruled it out as the cause. I'm using Bosch Platinum "+4" spark plugs,
>and Autolite Ignition #86472 plug wires. All engine components and
>other parts are stock, with the exception of an air-intake (metal pipe
>with cone filter) and a DynoMax muffler with 2¼" exhaust pipe.
>
>Thanks in advance for any info!
>
>Jonathan

I can't tell you how many times i've seen the bosch 4 plugs make a
honda run bad.. Use the factory plugs and see what happens.
Chip