BB1 Scrapyard Dog - first 1/4r mile run

[indigolemon]

An odd one for sure! Glad we got it working again though!!

[vanzep]

Id been getting a screech on start up and some other issues so decided it was time to have the belts and water pump replaced.
I have had the parts sitting here for a few years so off it went to get the following work carried out:
(Mileage mix of km&miles 160,000)
Timing belt
Balance belt
Both belt pulleys
Auto tensioner
Water Pump
Crank Pulley with new woodruff key& seal retainer kit
Both Auxiliary belts
Alternator
Coolant hoses (2 short ones at the oil cooler)
Valve clearance
Refurbed rocker cover, spark plug o rings and new gaskets
Cam end cap
Both cambelt covers

Seems like there was a problem with the crank pulley starting to seperate and wobble which had rubbed against the belt cover, melted some of that which had fallen inside the cover and wrapped itself round the balance shaft. There was also some lateral movement on the alternator pulley. The timing belt had also started to rub slightly at the edge.
So it was good to get these things fixed.

But

There is still a problem somewhere as there is an intermittent loss of power and still will only start on 2nd or 3rd attempt.

I cant pin down where the issue is at the moment but the car runs very well just not all of the time.
Could be electrical, could be fuel related..at the moment im thinking fuel pump or injectors

since getting back last week ive changed the battery, ht leads and run some injector cleaner through it and backed off the throttle cable a tiny bit it was suggested that the aftermarket new dizzy i had fitted a couple of months ago might be the problem.....

[wurlycorner]

Good work getting that all done.

When you say intermittent loss of power, you mean that is a different fault to the not starting and it's loss of engine power? Or that it doesn't start because you have intermittent loss of electrical power?

If separate... What are the symptoms of loss of power (when/what does it feel like, how long does it last/what makes it go)?

[vanzep]

EDIT: 9/8/18
swapped out the aftermarket new dizzy for one of my spare oem ones and all is good
no misfire

seems like the new aftermarket dizzy was no good

[vanzep]

After all the work thats been done recently and after only a couple of hundered miles of good running the gremlins are back at work - this time on the alternator/battery and the radiator
Higher than usual fast idle on start up (2000rpm) and higher than usual normal idle (1000rpm) and its seems to be hinting that a bouncing idle is on its way....
Earlier in the week a cat overheat and battery light appear together- i thought this might be alternator related.
(Ive only seen these lights come on together before on my BB4 when the crank pulley came loose and it threw the aux belts)
So i checked the belt - all nice and tight so started the car up and checked the voltage at the battery and at the alternator.
Battery was down at 11.9v and the voltage at the alternator was 11.7v.
Put a freshly charged battery in (12.7v) started the car up - voltage at battery was 12.1v at the terminals and 11.9v at the alternator.
So im presuming its the alternator thats gubbed It cant be both batteries that are duff-could it?

Also noticed the radiator needs replaced as its looks to have rotted along the bottom outside edge
I can see any leaks from it but might be a tiny bit of coolant loss - not 100% sure as yet.
more expense and hassle

oil and filter change at 161,000 (hamp shortie & shell helix ultra pro) 25/8/2018.

[wurlycorner]

Bummer.

Fast idle at cold normally indicates a knackered coolant temperature sensor.

[vanzep]

fast idle is 2000rpm which is right at the upper limit according to the manual - i will check the coolant temp sensor and replace it if needs be -im sure i have a spare somewhere.
Ive gone for the 32mm thick oem style replacement rad.
As usual these jobs grow arms and legs and ive now got quite a few parts to go on - just waiting for the new thermostat to arrive

Jobs to do:
Remove old Radiator
Replace alternator
Fit new Rad and fans
New lower rad hose&clips
Refurbed Rad brackets&clips
Fit new thermostat and gasket

[Drax]

Sounds like your narrowing down the problem the correct way fair play, I like it well done

[vanzep]

I swapped out the suspected faulty alternator and fitted one of the used ones i have spare and all is good - idle is where it should be and im getting 14.5v at the alternator so looks like job done. Took me over an hour to do the job which is ok...
but
to be 100% sure ive ordered a new battery from Honda which i pick up tomorrow.
Part number 31500-SPO-031HE (£42.99+vat trade price)

I still have the new radiator, thermostat and coolant pipes here ready to fit but im going to run the car for a few weeks and keep an eye on the coolant level before looking at this job.

[Merlin]

That's good news on the alternator. Car must have known higher rpm was needed to maintain voltage.