My car is 217k strong, it has old peices and I'm looking to put money into it for know if thing's don't get better..

My engine is a vtec f22b1. 5 spd.

it's been idleing badly for about 14 month's. These cars are Gizmo certified strong. there's more to this post, read on.

It all started in november 08 with the 4th cylinder spark plug not fitting so nicely anymore. I didn't have the cash to fix it and was working a monthly pay check job, this march I asked a private mechanic to fix the spark plug's thread's on the engine and come to find that after all that time the thread's were screwwed up only at the top.. it screwwed right in after a hit from the rubber hammer..

After that, with the engine 4 cylinder's strong I had a new problem arise.. I couldn't go past 3500 rpms without bucking,, I noticed when nearing the 35oo mark it would start to sound better before bucking... It's been what 3 month's since the spark plug was "fixxed"? so I figured maybe I should check the distributor.. It was horibly disfigured on the inside of that cap.. I replaced it and 2 days later I'm sitting here with a car that has intermittent power failure when accelerating in any gear.. if the engine is idle it clears 5-600 rpms.. The distributor is old looking but is it the source of my engine idleing bad for the last 14 month's

I've read alot of articles involving these symptom's, and my car's cel blinks 4 which is the ckp speed sensor, I need to be able to drive the car, it drve's but with the misfiring I worry about the tranny. I have the cash to buy a new distributor but not much more to go the extra mile, literaly.

So I'm down to symptoms like check the egr and air blow it out or soak it in solvent and brush it out.. either way.. main relay possible but not likely i think..

also, with the intermitent power when accelerating could the misfire's some how miss aline the cam shaft by a click or two? as it is running know with the misfire's I'd rather not get a distributor and have the distributor working full force sub-sequantualy destroy the engine..

I'm at a stand still and I need some guidence.. I think the distributor needs to be replaced.. what are your thought's?

 

Change out all the distributor electronics, including the coil. If it's never been done, its time. That'll give you a nice boost in power.

Seafoam the gas and oil. That'll clean out the cylinders.

Having a cylinder down will clog up the EGR and PCV with crap. The seafoam will help a lot. If the car's never had a timing belt/water pump replacement, you can get an EGR cleaning done along with it.

Check your air hoses for leaks; if you find one or they seem old and dry, start replacing hoses and clamps. Go nuts; its cheap insurance.

New spark plugs and wires if you haven't already.

If the ECM is giving you errors for a sensor, change it out.