Honda Repair: 92 honda civic poor idle, running too rich, fuel pressure regulator, consistent maintenance


Question
QUESTION: Hi I've recently been having an issue with my 92 honda civic, it idle really rough almost to the point of turning off. First thing it started doing was using more and more gas..now its at the point where with a full tank Only goes 100 miles or less. When I first start it up in the morning it idles ok for about 15 Sec then it goes back to a rough idle. The car has the 1.5l d15b7 and is automatic..I've gone through and check everything on the fuel system..replace the fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter even replaced the injector o rings to make sure their not leaking...its been blowing black smoke from the exhaust when I go full throttle meaning its running very rich correct? I'm starting to think it has something to do with the transmission because in park neutral and reverse it idles rough but more so in reverse it usually stalls but when I'm holding the brake in drive it idles perfectly..I'm completely stumped..and info you can give me would be greatly Appreciated

ANSWER: Ismael, as these cars age there reliability goes down with time. But, consistent maintenance will help prolong this. 100 miles is very poor. Definitely a fuel issue. Replace the spark plugs too. Have you replaced your fuel filter? Black smoke could be an indication for un-burnt fuel but generally that might be some oil too? My answer - I think your timing is off. And the transmission with the autos has a kick down cable that is directly related to the throttle body. Have the timing checked and set. Idle should be set at this time as well. Fuel pumps will go on these cars between 130k to 160k+ so be perpared to replace this part too or in the near future.

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QUESTION: I've already replace the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator and the spark plugs and wires..after I replaced the plugs I drove the car around for 15 mins..checked the plugs and they were already fouled..there's no oil on then..its like sooty..like dust it can just be whipped off..I'm going to check the timing today but if it was ogg why would the car run fine in drive with my foot held on the brake? I'm also gonna be checking the transmission lock up solenoid just to make sure its not clogged up or bad...I'm just confused as to how it can run fine when its stopped in drive but not when I'm driving down the road. Also the car has 200k miles but the engine was replaced last year when I bought it and the car I took it out of had 75k

Answer
Have you checked the engine codes? (CEL) There is a blue plug near the passenger side area kick panel at the lowest part of the dash. Take a paper clip and stick it into that. Turn the key to the 'on' position. Count the codes that flash on the dash. Google these codes for possible areas to check and replace. Also you can Google the location for this 2-pin blue plug to check. This must be done first before guessing on where to fix what next.

You still have not told me if you replaced the fuel pump or not too... (The fuel pump is different from the fuel filter, or fuel pressure regulator which you already told me you replaced.)