Helping a family member not sure what the problem may be. The engine is a 4 cyl and seems to be "missing" when you take the rpms past 3 k rpms. If you hold the throttle static anywhere over 3k rpms it is not firing correctly. When you release the throttle at the rpm level - when symptoms appear the engine stalls but will fire up again.

Idles fine. Replaced cap rotor plugs and wires still have issues.No cels of any kind. Thoughts? Thanks!

 

Any idea? The vehicle is a daily driver and having above issues when getting up to speed on the freeway. Thanks...

 

No work has been done and everything was fine and this issue "just showed up one day"?

No stored codes in the PCM either?

 

does it occur when you floor it or only at part throttle while driving normally?

 

Only code was p0420 but we replaced the cat. Cel is no longer on. No codes when we used a code machine. It sputters when the throttle is held static above 2800 - 3000+ rpm. When it is sputtering and you let go of the throttle it dies but starts right up again and idles fine. No idea as no cel or codes being pulled...


It does it driving or in park. Seems when it gets above the noted rpm it starts to happen. Almost sounds like a rev limiter...

 

How did the plugs look?
P0420 does not mean the catalyst is bad, it just means 'catalyst below threshold efficiency'. An engine out of tune, with damage, or loss of compression, would cause that code.

Have you verified valve lash is within spec? Too tight valve lash can cause poor running, misfire, misfire codes and the P0420 code. If the valves are too tight there will be a lack of compression and misfire. This can also cause a burnt valve from the exhaust valve not seating properly or not seating long enough to dissipate heat to the cylinder head.

 

Plugs looked normal. Replaced plugs cap rotor and wires this past weekend along with cat. Code went away for emissions but sputter still there and no codes. Sputtering over 2800 rpm been going on for a few months now. Any idea?

Engine struggles getting to higher rpm once sputtering really is noticeable above the 3k band...

 

If it were me I would remove the oxygen sensor to see if somehow something in the exhaust is clogged up.

 

I know what a clogged exhaust sounds like. This is different. Sounds like a rev limiter... just wont go any higher in rpms....

 

Pull the vacuum line to the EGR. If the problem goes away, clean the EGR passages. (You will probably have to clear the cel for code P0401, egr flow)

 

YUP EGR. mine does the same thing. i disconect the battery for 5 min then it drives good for a while. if it does it when im driving i pull over turn car off then back on again and it fixes it for a while

 

Ok thx. So if i pull the vac hose and it goes away just pull the valve and clean the body out or do i need to clean another area? Also still no codes?????? Is that normal?

 

Just a hint....there is no vac hose to the egr on this gen Yes you can unplug the electrical connection. If you unplug the electrical connector and things clear up, there are tests you can do on the egr valve....and you might as well clean it while there. Pretty sure you will set a p1491 code by running the engine with the egr unplugged.

Next if it clears up with the egr unplugged, you might want to pull them plenum and clean the egr passages.

If there is no change with the egr unplugged - you should listen to "holmes" and at least unplug the primary O2 and see what happens.....O2 could be lazy or as suggested there might be an exhaust flow issue.

Last suggestion, at least compression test the engine.

 

You are correct, 1997 was the last year for the vacuum EGR on the Accord.
Also, with the re-design of the EGR distribution in the plenum it is virtually impossible for the EGR to overwhelm a single cylinder so it is unlikely to be the problem.