We got a 97 2.2 cl with a blown headgasket. We replaced the head gasket and all the other random gaskets and seals. The timing belt has only about 10k on it so we put on the same one.

We started it up and it idles a little rough when its cold and runs perfect when you give it gas. When it warms up, it runs perfect still but if you let go of the gas, it will idle very rough and die. It dies when its warm for some reason.

It is also very hard to start it and its not the battery or starter.

Another thing we noticed was water out of the exhaust. There is a small puddle of clear water if you let it run for a little bit or rev it. It happened a lot when we first changed the head gasket. It's been about a week now and there's still water sometimes. The oil and water levels are exactly the same as a week ago.

The car drives fine and I've driven it on the freeway for about 130 miles so far with no problems. Its just that I have to hold the gas and brake at stop lights so it won't die.

Any idea what would make it do that?

And the new head gasket isn't leaking or anything. The head wasn't warped either.

The check engine light is not on and I scanned it and there are no codes

 

Make sure your TPS is properly calibrated and you can also adjust your throttle body plate screw to allow more airflow at idle. If the IACV is dirty it could cause it not to flow like it should.

 

Yes the tps got tuned. We even turned it up a little. It idles fine when its cold but after a couple minutes of running it just drops so much that it dies. Where is the IACV and how do I clean it?

 

Just took off that idle control sensor and cleaned it. It was really dirty but I don't think it made a difference in the idle.

 

leakdown test.

 

check for vacuum leaks!!!!! just fixed the same problem on my prelude, even if you don't see a definite leak in a hose, cap it temporarily at the manifold