1998 Honda Prelude with around 240k miles on it. In order, chronologically, in the span of 2 hrs, this is what I changed in the vehicle, if it helps. 1) The power steering pump's high pressure hose (the one that mounts to the top of the pump) developed 3 seriously microscopic pinhole leaks in the line right after the metal end that mounts to the pump. Surprisingly, I managed to stop the leak completely with a combination of JB Waterweld and Heat Wrap. 2) While it was curing, I removed the battery terminal connectors, covered the alternator with plastic wrap, and I used a water based degreaser that "left no residue" on the entire left side of the engine bay. The belts, the air compressor, the fuel pump and surrounding areas, the crankshaft pully... Essentially, everything that the slinging pwr steering fluid would have continued to ruin. Then, used Electra-Motor cleaner on the Alternator. 3) Drove the car for 22 miles and then all hell broke loose. This is a description of that hell. The car stalled out right after putting gas in the car. I didn't even leave the pump. All my power was gone in the car, too. I was able to jump it off using a jump box. Now. When I accelerate, my RPMs are jumping anywhere from 625 to 3000, seriously hesitating. If I catch it just right on the gas pedal, I'll get going, if I get past 2500 RPMs, I'm in the clear, the car will drive somewhat normal. I say that because in fourth gear at 3500 or less RPM the car, in regular intervals, will rumble, like a quick stall sound, but no stall. If I just sit at a red light, the car will stall out. I can always crank the car again. Sometimes I have to hold the key on the ignition for 10-15 seconds to do so, though. There is always enough juice to that, and it's only when I hear kinda a horn sound when the stall occurs and smoke comes from the air intake filter. From a stop: If I push the gas pedal down hard too quickly, I'll stall. If I push it down slightly, but again and again (like to a 1-2-3-4 beat) I'll stall. While Driving: I have a shiftronic Automatic. No matter what, if I am in a high or low gear, and then change to a lower or higher one respectfully, and push the pedal down while that's happening, I'll backfire. If I even THINK about engaging VTEC, the car will backfire in an EPIC way. Leaving my engine on, but non responsive, but if I have the distance, and speed before hand, and work the acceleration a bit, I'm able to continue driving, but horribly. I've done this: Cleaned: PGM-FI manifold, EGR, IACV Replaced: Fuel filter, ECT sensor, Dist. Cap. Checked: Timing, spark, fuel. Initially, my first backfire, rendered my car useless. I had to do all that to get it to where it is now. Before it would crank, I did a compression test. It was 1st:10 2nd:20 3rd:30 4th:145. Adding a little oil to the spark hole rose the compression. Now, compression is fine. Timing adv is at 30° though. Only CEL I can get out of the car is jumping misfire. Please help. My wife and I just lost home to a house fire and we live in the thing.

 

as soon as you mentioned that the RPMs were erratic the first thing that came to my head is the distributor.