Spencer Andrews

So I'm having an issue with my Acura EL, which is basically the Canadian version of a civic with some luxury add-ons. It has a stock D16y8 1.6L Vtec engine in it right now, which I plan on swapping when I find the right motor. (Have my eye out for a gsr b18c1) When I bought the car, it had an exhaust leak and wasnt too sure exactly where. I noticed upon heavy acceleration like when passing someone my car hesitates for a second then accelerates but still seems to be lacking power. I tried replacing the spark plugs which didnt do anything. Upon inspecting the exhaust leak it is coming from my catalytic converter. Would this cause backpressure and the engine hesitation? Because I don't know what else to try after other than replacing the fuel filter... Any suggestions?

Former User

If the cat is clogged, it could cause power loss. But is the leak sufficient to effectively rule out this possibility?

Auto trans?

Age of plug wires, cap, and rotor?

CEL codes?

Spencer Andrews

Yes auto tranny, no lights whatsoever i think. Plug wires and all are stock I believe

Former User

Does CEL work?


Age of ignition parts?

Spencer Andrews

Yes the lights light up initially so I kjow they work, ignition parts were never changed as far as I know but never had an issue starting ever, good idle, no oil burning on spark plugs so I know its not that

Former User

Do a proper ignition system tune up, replace the fuel filter, and adjust the ignition timing. Then replace the cat, and go from there.

Nave43

I recently filled my cat with bleach overnight, cleaned it out pretty well. Noticed a slight power increase, but with a 250k mile stock cat thats to be expected. Didn't seem to break down the catalyst either. The tapwater i rinsed it with probably did do some damage but you could use distilled water if you wanted.

Just something to consider before buying a new cat. That ignition system tuneup will most likely do wonders aswell.