Hello all, mechanically challenged biologist here. I have a 1992 Honda Accord with just under 200K miles. It's been a great car and got me up through college graduation, and I'd like to squeeze a little more life out of it if I can before finally getting a newer model.

Today it developed a rough idle at stop signs and traffic lights, and the engine wouldn't respond when I tried to accelerate after a stop. The engine runs fine and revs normally when in park or neutral, but dies completely when it's in drive and I hit the gas. Hitting the gas lightly seems to be less of a catastrophe, but hitting the gas enough to enter the flow of traffic kills the engine with a dramatic lurch and it;s a struggle to turn it back on. I've tried Lucas Fuel Injector Cleaner on the chance it was a fuel injector issue, but after letting the car run for an hour with the cleaner it's still acting the same.

I was thinking spark plugs/wires or IAC, but wanted a more expert opinion. If it's something I can do myself, I'd like to.

Thanks in advance for your time!

 

I was thinking EGR passages? Have those been cleaned out? Id start with that.

 

Although EGR being stuck open may cause a stall at idle if the EGR valve sticks open, have you looked at your FITV/IAC or vacuum hoses?

How is the idle when it is cold? When warm? Last time it had a tuneup?
Also Location, as some of us are suckers for helping a 'local' out.