bought a 98 base, auto 'Lude with 200k on it. CELs are 0301, 0133, p1738 and p0700. I researched and addressed each of these and only caused myself more CELs. I now have CELs p1738, 0700 (2nd gear switch and trans) and p1382, 1399, 0301, 0302, 0300 (misfire/ingnition).

I have changed a/t fluid and added some Lucas trans treatment. I found a broken wire to the 2nd gear switch and spiced in a new wire and changed the switch with a new one. I still have those CELs. The engine stutters (like rev limiter) at 6500 rpm and won't shift until you let off the gas. I suspect this is only when VTEC is not working. I experience an intermittent loss of VTEC. VTEC disappears after about 20 mins of driving.

I swapped plugs (Bosch 2+), distributor, rotor and am awaiting NGK wires. I still have the misfire codes. I've run two bottles of Lucas gas treatment and half a can of Seafoam thru the gastank in the 1700 miles I've owned it. The new Bosch plugs are black with carbon. The plugs I first pulled out were NGKs (OEM) and only gray - no carbon deposits. Do you think all that gas treatment blew so much carbon loose its coating my cylinders, valves and plugs? I put one of the old NGKs in to drive to work (30 miles) and it was just as black as the Bosch I've had for a month.

I appreaciate any real advice on this. I've wanted a Prelude for the past 10 years and family and just life in general have always come first. I have the color and mods I want. I just want this thing to work as she should. Thanks!
p.s. is it popular opinion OEM/ NGK parts are better than competitors? A friend swears by OEM only parts by Honda.

 

Yes, the stock NGK plugs are better. Make sure you gap them correctly. Your engine is in limp mode because of the CEL's, that is why the 6500 rev limit and no VTEC. As far as everything else goes with the transmission, 5th generation Ludes are known to have auto trannies that die before their time. 200K on yours probably means it is on it's way out. I hope mine makes it that far. I'm at 100K now. I suggest a manual tranny swap. It will cost a few grand, but you'll never have to worry about any of this stuff ever again. With 200K on the car, you may just want to do a JDM H22A Motor swap. You'll still have to buy all of the related stuff to finish the manual trans. conversion (pedal assy. , slave cyl, shift linkage, etc.) but in the long run it'll be better. Plus you'll have OBD1 then and can tune the car for mods.

 

ok thanks for the quick reply. I love that car and it runs so well when it runs correctly. I wonder if all the cleaners (Lucas & Seafoam) I put in have contributed to the black soot on the plugs? That may give the misfire itself? The physical aspect (6.5k rev limit) is a
new issue. The misfire CEL was present when I bought it.
Thanks again for the info. Good luck with your ride. I just saw a JDM h22 with auto
on ebay for $1500. COmes with wire harness and ECU. Seems like a real good price.