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. Many years ago, I had a Honda Accord, detoured to Domestic vehicles for 15 years, and now back to Japanese imports. 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 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
Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you!!!

 

Welcome to the forum, Trixie! Thanks for joining us. Sorry to hear you've got some problems, but you are definitely in the right place to find answers!