Honda Repair: intermittent engine failure, fuel pressure regulator, loose bolt

Question
Hi Bill,

Thank you for the response to my question.  I replaced my bashed up distributor with one from a 1987 Accord, and the Prelude is working fine, after a small timing adjustment.  The old distributor advance weights and springs were smashed to bits.  

My follow-up is on pgmfi light on issue - Do you know any reason why the pgmfi light comes on intermittently?  Various "experts" in various shops came up with different answers and none solved the problem.  Sometimes the light comes on almost immediately after getting into gear, and other times I can drive for about 20-30 min before it lights up.  Also, if I turn off the ignition and restart, the light won't come on immediately.  When the light does come on, the engine idles higher: about 1100 rpm instead of 750.  This problem seems to be very random, and I think it may be something to do with the air intake.  Do these things get gummed up and sticky?  Also, how hard is it to clean them out, and what is the best way to go about it?  What is your opinion?

Thanks
Mike
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi Bill,

Your site is very informative, and I am grateful for the info you provide - pro bono!!!  About the engine failure while driving - my 1986 Prelude SI (270 k miles) did the same thing and I narrowed the problem down to the ECU or Main relay.  However, only by a fluke I found that a ground wire on the fuel rail near fuel pressure regulator was loose (bolt had come off) and while the contact was touching the metal, the engine would start and run, but as vibrations occurred, contact broke and engine died!!!  Replaced bolt and everything A-Ok!!! Hope this helps a bit.  Now I need to know what would cause my distributor to smash up inside?

mike
Answer -
Mike:
Thanks for the info on the engine failure. The intermittent failures are ones that are hardest to trace and generally electrical problems are problems with grounds. As for the distributor problem you have, it sounds like the bearings are bad and the distributor will need to be replaced.
Good luck.
Bill

Answer
Mike:
You might try and clean the air intake, I can't really say if it's hard to clean as I have not had to clean one. There are several different sensors in the system and ICU which is controlled by the ECU. This being an intermittent problem it will be difficult to troubleshoot. You could check the fast idle control valve, idle mix adjuster sensor, MAP sensor and intake air temp sensor but unless you have a complete failure on one of them you will drive yourself crazy.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Bill