"Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@carolina.rr.com> wrote in message
news:kqGye.58932$Oi4.588428@twister.southeast.rr.c om...
> 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

In addition to the other valuable responses, I urge you to get ahold of a
timing light and reset the timing correctly. The engine will be noticably
funky, and could even suffer detonation damage, if the timing is even 2
degrees off.

Mike