Thu, 15 Oct 1998 15:48:41 +0100 - Message No. 4282
From: Peter

Subject: Re: Thanks for your help - Strange rattling noise from the engine


> Kirk asked me to specify the following, very stupid of me not to have done
> already:
> >>Any loss of power during the event?
> Yes, it feels KIND OF like when you reach the top of the rpm and the "black
> box" stops the ignition for half a second...
> When it happens, it sounds like it can't pass the 6-7000 rpm point, it
> feels "confused", the rev counter needle moves madly between 5500 and 7000.

Hmmm, having just consulted UK Tech support 0181 746 9176 (brilliant and very
helpful bunch, usually) they said there is no known regular problem where this
has occured before, I would say it was a fuel and or electric problem,
all you can do is check the Fuel is good quality, the spark plugs are not
breaking down or the plug leads and go through the ignition boxes etc and make
sure all the earths are good preferably with a test meter,
the noise sounds like "pinking" which is too lean a fuel or advanced ignition,
aside from that I would suggest you have a bigger problem which will need to be
tested by your Honda dealer.

> >>What about immediate decelaration?
> If I deccelarate the symptoms do stop. Below 5500rpm is fine.
> >>Does the noise subside?
> Yes, the noise does subside if I let the throttle. And the rest of the
> symptoms as well as I said above.

hmm, does sound like an ignition problem or fuel getting too lean.

> Again, I cannot cause the problem at will. This morning for example, it was
> fine. Last night though, it did it again. I ve tried putting her on the
> center stand and try to simulate it. Nothing happens. Also nothing happens
> in neutral.

I really would not recommend revving the old girl to 6000 while its is on the
centre stand, these things normally only show under load anyway..

> Another thing is that my gearbox lever is quite tough, usually having
> difficulties to find neutral when stopped. If I try to find neutral while
> revving above 3-4000 then it is fine, but it is very difficult when not
> moving and revs are low (revs 1300).

have you recently removed the gear lever or changed to a heavy oil ??

> Heeelp! I am planning a trip from UK to Greece in the next 2-3 weeks!!!!

best bet is to leave the pretty girlfriend with me while you do the trip alone,
and if you make it I'll bring her over later.....yeah right !!! :)

best try to get sorted here rather than breaking down on the trip, and if you
do go make sure you get the AA recovery service before you go or something
similar.





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