In article <Pwdtf.293$%W1.2@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net> , "Elle"
<honda.lioness@nospamearthlink.net> wrote:

> No way is your car garbage for its age and miles. Like Mike
> implied, at your rate, it should take you to 300k miles, as
> long as a bit of regular maintenance is commenced.
>
> Like Mike says, it could be your car just needs a serious
> tuneup. Otherwise, I would suspect a failing ignition coil.
> The oxygen sensor is also a possibility, but unless fuel
> mileage is down, and since you don't say you've got a "Check
> Engine Light" (which I'd expect in a 96, for OBDII), I think
> the O2 sensor is less likely.
>
> Since they're both a bit expensive, and your car sounds like
> it could stand a tuneup, start with the less expensive
> tuneup items as follows:
>
> -- New, genuine Honda ignition wires, plugs, distributor cap
> and rotor. These might make a big difference right away.
> -- New air filter and fuel filter
> -- Coolant drain and fill, using genuine Honda anti-freeze
> or Havoline Dexcool. Purge cooling system properly of air,
> using the manual. Air in the system can cause idle problems.
>
> See how the car runs. If still giving you the problems,
> check the resistance of the coil, using a Chilton's manual
> as a guide. A new coil, without labor, will cost you about
> $67 + shipping at online OEM Honda parts sites. Add $75 more
> for labor. Also, if fuel mileage changes drastically,
> suspect the oxygen sensor. That costs around $100 + shipping
> from https://www.automedicsupply.com/ (best prices around
> for OEM O2 sensors). But like I said, ISTM you really should
> get the CEL on for a seriously bad O2 sensor on a 1996.
>
> As for the oil in the spark plug tubes, your Accord has two
> seals per spark plug tube that could be leaking. Given your
> car's age, I would suspect the four O-rings that are lower
> in the tubes have hardened and no longer seal properly.
> Replacing them is kind of a big job--intermediate or
> advanced beginner's. With help from two of the regulars
> here, I did it recently on my 91 Civic, at about 172k miles.
> I documented the effort at
> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id3.html . If
> you've checked and adjusted the valve lash by yourself
> before, you can probably do it.
>
> I would not suspect piston rings. This newsgroup rarely, if
> ever, gets reports of piston rings being blown for a car of
> the age you give. Unless it's been abused somehow. But I
> can't imagine how that might be.
>
> I hope that timing belt is up to date, like Michael says.
> It's not my first guess, but it's always helpful to have the
> maintenance history posted here when troubleshooting
> someone's car problem.
>
> Updates are welcome, for the education of others in the
> future. :-)
>
>
> "96_f22b2" <96_f22b2.20uov6@no-mx.carstalk.net> wrote
> > what up guys.. aite.. i got a problem.. i drive a 96 honda
> accord lx. 2.2l 4 cyl. 176,000 miles (*yes i kno its a old
> piece of shit*) last night when i was getting off the
> highway.. i noticed my engine was jerking... didnt think
> much of it until i stopped at the red light and the car was
> idling back and forth as if it was going to stall out.. when
> i got home.. i checked my oil .. VERY LOW..... changed it
> same problem.. checked the spark plugs n noticed.. there was
> oil in the 3rd and 4th spark plug hole.. i decided it was a
> leak in the vavle cover.... now this can range from.. jus a
> faulty gasket.. to jus a simple tune up.. i later got info
> that it could be my piston rings.. how do i determine which
> it is ....? n how much would it cost to fix if it is my
> pistion rings

Elle,
Excellent post. I agree:
> As for the oil in the spark plug tubes, your Accord has two
> seals per spark plug tube that could be leaking. Given your
> car's age, I would suspect the four O-rings that are lower
> in the tubes have hardened and no longer seal properly.

I had this problem with my old 93 Accord. It took the mechanic
over 4 hours to replace them. It happened while I was on a trip
and had to have the car towed to the nearest Honda dealership.
I will never forget that day. I had to set in the waiting room
at the Honda dealership while the mechanic was working on the car.
I only wish that the problem had happened while I was in my home
town.
Jason

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