Jonathan Upright 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

]
---------------------

Unbolting it was actually a mistake. The vibration from the engine is
what keeps it running when the car gets hot inside. That's why smacking
the dash will often allow the car to start when it otherwise wouldn't
Just unplug the relay, and get a computer geek or handy guy to resolder
it. It runs the fuel pump, and kills it if the engine doesn't run for
x-seconds . . fire safety, mostly, I think.

'Curly'