Hey everyone,

This is my first post/question on here and I will apologize in advance if it is a little long. I have never been much of a mechanic on vehicles (because my father never was) however I am wanting to learn more about it. I am attempting to learn more about my car and how to identify issues in the engine, and in doing so I am trying to do as many repairs to it on my own as I can. I am very good friends with my mechanic and generally check with him if I feel it is a serious issue.

Anyway I have been having an issue lately with my '99 Honda Accord. As I am accelerating, the engine begins to "stutter" I can't really think of a better way to put it. It only happens after the engine has heated up. I have no issues driving in the morning or on colder days, and it only happens between 2,000 and 3,000 rpms. The car drives smooth and then begins to jerk in a stuttering fashion making it take forever to accelerate. When I get close to 3000 rpms all is fine again. Sometimes (not always) the check engine light will flash, but then goes away again.

From the people I have chatted with. Most say I need to clean the EGR ports I have a high mileage accord and I hear this model at this age is almost guaranteed clogged egr ports. I have also heard it might be spark plugs, or even fuel injector (although I doubt it is the injector).

I just wanted to get your opinion on it, and if you recommended that I check anything else out that might be causing an issue like this. Thanks everyone I hope to be learning some new stuff on this one!

 

Is this a 4 or 6 cyl engine?

What are the codes? If the CEL is flashing, IMO - damage is being done and there are stored codes.....If you are not in CA, most part stores will scan code for free.

If the tune up items are due for replacement...replace them before jumping to "other" issues,

No real answer here....Just me but I'd want more info before giving advise.

Plus know this, the 6th gens have an egr "port".....just one. Not like the 4 or 5th gens. But don't get me wrong, if it is clogged.....issues will happen.

 

Thanks for the reply.

It is a 6 cyl Vtec f23a1. I haven't gotten the code checked but will do ASAP. Does the cel need to be on to get the code? It is not always on only occasionally when it happens. I guess I am asking, do I need to drive it until the code flashes and go straight to an autozone from there to check it?

Also as a new update. I discovered I have an oil leak. Could this be due to an oil pressure issue? I have read that the vtec is very glitchy with oil pressure issues.

Thanks again. I'm just learning all of this so thanks for your patience, of course if you feel the need to call me an idiot go for it! I feel like one myself.

 

The code(s) store in the ECU/PCM. So, no you do not have to wait for the light to come back on.

Check and top off the oil if low. Yes low oil pressure can set some codes and cause strange engine issues.

Next, please confirm your engine. Your post says 6 cyl F23A1. That can't be right....the "F" is a four cyl engine, it would be a "J" engine if a 6 cyl in this gen. Don't worry with the "series/family" of engine right now. Just let us know if it has 4 or 6 spark plugs/cyl's......I'm not near as picky as some

 

Of course you are right. It is a 4 cyl. Not sure why I wrote otherwise (brain fart). I have not gotten the codes checked yet but will tomorrow or friday.