I own a 90 Civic EX with a 1.6 Liter engine and auto transmission. with 180,000 miles.

On my way home from work on 9/14, my battery light came on and the car died a few blocks later. When I tried to restart, the car acted as though the battery was nearly drained. Enough power for the radio and gauges to light up, not enough to turn the engine over. After replacing the battery, I drove one block and the battery light came on as I slowed down. I'm thinking possibly the alternator is faulty. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I pulled the spark plug wires and found that the boot on the number 1 (from right to left) plug was slightly oil fouled. Number 2 was fine, number 3 had enough oil that it dripped out, number 4 was fine. I've never seen or heard of this, so I have NO idea what the problem is. Obviously there is an oil leak, I just don't know where from.

Once again, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

First, Yeah, I think taht your alternator has passed on. However, I would take the car to Autozone and have them test the charging system. They can tell you what all is bad and needs to be replaced. This is a FREE service that they offer. If something is bad, check all the other shops in town and see who has the best price on the parts you need.

Second, If I remember right oil around the spark plug boot means a bad gasket. If you take your valve cover off and replace all four gaskets around the spark plgs and then replace the main gasket you should be golden. You can get the whole set of gaskets((on my car anyway)) for just over $20.

((Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong))

Good luck with your car.

 

your alternator is probably out.
if you can get it started, then use a vom meter on DC VOLTS.
put on battery posts while the car is running.
should see from approximately 13.7 to about 15 volts.

(guess the posts and cable ends were cleaned (well, of course they are for the new battery) and tightened securely)

there are seals on the underside of the valve cover that seal at the head where the holes for the spark plugs are. these are packaged with the valve cover gasket (at least on the year i have) or they may also be listed separately that you can purchase.

 

Im glad to know that i was right. LOL

 

you happened to post while i was typing - and you said it well !

 

Thank you for your responses. Looks like I found a cool place to talk Civics.
[sm=icon_rock.gif]

[sm=vader.gif]
Just put that one up because I'm a star wars fan.

Strike

 

Your right. This is a very good place to talk about all things Civic. Hope you have a good time here.

 

i agree on the altern ,, you should have the chrging system tested including the battery.....

as for the oil in the plug wire,, there are 2 sets of seals that can cause that ,the easy ones are the ones that were mentioned the seal on the underside of the valve cover ,, if after installing new ones it does not do the job then you got to replace the lower rocker arm seals ..


http://www.hondaaccordforum.com/OIL_...m_16994/tm.htm

this is for accords but basically it is the same for civics ..