Hi guys!! I am new to the forum (and honestly new to any forum for that matter), so I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Trixie, and I recently got a 2000 Honda Prelude! For the most part, my Prelude is in good shape. There are a few rust spots, which have been sanded out but still need to fix them and repaint. The interior of the car is in very nice condition. I do have a problem with rain/water accumulating in the spare tire well of the trunk, but I think I just need to check the sunroof drain. I absolutely ***LOVE*** driving my Prelude!!!! My Prelude was running great... started up immediately, ran smooth...
Until the Check Engine light came on. Now I have this incessant issue with the Check Engine light coming back on after every shop visit, sputtering on initial start up, and running rough when idling at a stop light. I've taken my baby in multiple times to two different auto shops, and they both did the same thing: Replaced the distributor cap and wiring harness, removed and de-carboned the throttle body, and replaced all 4 spark plugs with new ones - three times! The shops reset the computer, the Check Engine light goes out, I take my baby home, but after driving a few miles, the Check Engine Light comes back on. When I take my Prelude back to the shop, the mechanics tell me that the plugs keep getting fouled up... they either check the plugs and clean them or replace them- which is how I've ended up with new plugs three times. I've also noticed that my fuel economy has gotten much worse and smoke coming from the tailpipe. The mechanics tell me my baby is "burning oil because it's an older engine" - which only tells me they have no clue and don't know much about older Japanese imports.
I am hoping that someone, somewhere, can provide some insight on what's going on... I love my baby and just want him back to normal :-(
Since I'm a lady, my Prelude is a gentleman ;-) smile
Also, if anyone has any tips on an auto shop in the DC/MD/VA area that specializes in older Hondas, that would be great! Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you!!!

 

Step 1 is to figure out what the CEL is actually for. Take it to an Advance-zone-riley and get it read.

 

@ross2004 Thank you for your reply!!! To answer your question, I've compiled a list of what's been done in the past 3 months since the Check Engine light came on. I've tried to include every detail, so please bear with me and forgive me for the "book".

EXISTING CONDITION (prior to Check Engine Light)

• Prelude started perfectly and ran smoothly while driving. No noise or chatter.
• Slight engine oil leak: noticed a few drops of oil on the ground

NEW ISSUES AS OF AUGUST 28, 2021

• Prelude’s “Check Engine” light came on: After the Check Engine light came on, it started sputtering upon initial start up and idles “rough” when idling.
• AutoZone OBD reader codes
  • P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
  • P1399 – Misfire in any Cylinder

MECHANIC #1 ASSESSMENT

• OBD reader codes
  • P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
  • P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
  • P1399 – Misfire in any Cylinder
• Mechanic #1 thought that Idle Air Control Valve might need to be replaced, but wasn’t sure
• Mechanic #1 thought that vibration may be due to misfiring, but wasn’t sure
• Mechanic #1 thought Engine Mounts may need to be replaced and may also be contributing to rattling/chatter when vehicle is idling

MECHANIC #1 did the following work:

• Replaced 4 Spark Plugs and Coil (first new set)
• Replaced the Distributor Cap, Distributor Rotor and Distributor/Ignition Wires
• Cleaned throttle body
• Tightened drive belts

NEW ISSUES AS OF SEP 4, 2021 – after Mechanic #1’s work:

• SMOKE coming from tailpipe
• Slight RATTLING /CHATTER from engine area while idling in park or sitting at stop
• CHECK ENGINE light kept turning on intermittently
• FUEL GAUGE shows needle dropping faster
  • Fuel economy has drastically reduced since Check Engine light came on
• Took Prelude back to Mechanic #1 multiple times - said the spark plugs keep fouling; after replacement, he cleaned them several times but check engine light kept coming back on

MECHANIC #2 ASSESSMENT

• OBD reader codes
  • P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
  • P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
  • P1399 – Misfire in any Cylinder
• Tech found Intake Cam Timing Mark off by one tooth

MECHANIC #2 did the following work:

• Replaced 4 Spark Plugs (second new set)
• Replaced the Distributor Cap and Distributor/Ignition Wires
• Removed throttle body and de-carboned throttle body
• Cleaned Idle Port
• Cleaned Fast Idle Motor oprt
• Reset Timing Belt to Mark
• Replaced 4 Spark Plugs again (third new set)

NEW ISSUES AS OF NOV 5, 2021 – after Mechanic #2’s work:

• Slight RATTLING /CHATTER from engine area while idling in park or sitting at stop - still existent
• CHECK ENGINE light turned back on and stayed on
• FUEL GAUGE still shows needle dropping quickly
  • Fuel economy has drastically reduced since Check Engine light came on
• More SMOKE coming from tailpipe
  • Mechanic #2 said "it's an older engine, so it's going to smoke"
• Took Prelude back to Mechanic #2 multiple times - he can't figure out why Check Engine light is staying on

MD VEIP EMISSIONS RESULTS FROM 11/09/2021: FAIL

• OBD reader codes
  • P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
  • P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
  • P0303 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
  • P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
  • P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• KOEO Result: Pass
• KOER Result: FAIL
• Communication Result: Pass
• Tamper Result: Pass
• MIL Command Status: FAIL
• EMISSIONS WAIVER: issued due to repairs

I hope these details provide a better idea of what is going on. Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated!

 

Clogged EGR ports can cause a misfire- definitely stop letting mechanics throw parts at it hoping something sticks.