Hesitation and sluggish

Tiny
CRAZYBEE19
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
My car hesitates when I drive it. It runs sluggish but not all the time like the gas pedal gets hard and I have to let go then it will go. When I drive it fare it turns off out of know where then I turns on. I get no codes at all. There is an oil leak under the distributor. Can anyone give me good information? Thanks
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Sunday, February 4th, 2018 AT 8:58 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
That oil leak under the distributor is shorting out the distributor. Happens all the time on these cars. You will have to replace the distributor and coil and you should be good to go.

Here is a decent how-to video that I found for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-qLBAXqGfo

It is a job that anyone can do, as long as you have a basic socket set (maybe $40.00 at sears) and a Philips head screwdriver.

Good luck.
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Monday, February 5th, 2018 AT 4:10 AM
Tiny
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They tested the coil and it was good.
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Monday, February 5th, 2018 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
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The sparks are being shorted out by that oil leak. It is common on those cars. Fix the leak by replacing the distributor and the seal (at the least). I suggest replacing the coil as well.
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Monday, February 5th, 2018 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
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What seal? The outside one?
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Monday, February 5th, 2018 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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The new distributor will come with it.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 AT 3:28 AM
Tiny
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Oh, I will try it today. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
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Ok I got new dizzy in and still has the symptoms like hesitating or say bogs down
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Saturday, February 10th, 2018 AT 9:53 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Hmmmm is the service engine light coming on? If so, yo should get it scanned and see what comes up. AutoZone, Advance Auto, and O'Reilly Auto all have a scanner and will scan your car for free.

If the light isn't on, then maybe we should check and see if the catalytic converter is clogged. If so, it would be creating too much back pressure through the exhaust, not allowing the engine to breathe properly, which often creates hesitation and bogging down.

Here's a how-to guide on checking the cat: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

The process I've always used is somewhat simplified. Basically, I just take the oxygen sensor that is between the engine and the catalytic converter out, and take teh car for a drive. This helps reduce back pressure that a clogged cat would create. If it feels better, then the cat needs to be replaced. If not, then put the sensor back on and we'll move on to checking other things, like fuel pressure.
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Sunday, February 11th, 2018 AT 4:59 AM
Tiny
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One other question sorry to ask so much my transmission drain plug is stripped on the inside the plug it self is fine what can I use I am stuck I was thinking of a universal winged part # 65240 and for the other part I get no codes at all and right now just a straight pipe cuz I don't got money for a new cat but I do still have the 02 sensor plugged in thanks so much for your patience
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Sunday, February 11th, 2018 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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So does that mean that you did the cat check? Because if not, even if you don't have the money for a new one, you should still check into it. As for the transmission drain plug, personally I'd just go to the dealer and get one from them, instead of using a "universal" thing. It probably won't cost any more than what you're looking at, and you don't have to wait for shipping. I always like to get OE parts when possible, because they just fit better and are generally better quality.
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Monday, February 12th, 2018 AT 3:31 AM

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