help with 92 EX studdering at 2500-3000 rpm

I have been having this problem for a few weeks now, where my 92 EX Accord will start studdering on highway driving around 3000 rpm. Whats strange is it only goes on for 10 seconds or so and the the CHECK ENGINE light goes on and the studdering stops and doesn't come back until I start the car up again. Some days it doesn't even do it at all (seems less likely on warmer days). I took it to a mechanic who said that my car was throwing engine codes and upon closer inspection that my distributor cap had oil in it and my Oxygen sensor was out. The cost of repair was over $700, but I priced a brand new distributor and oxygen senor myself at nearly $200. I am pretty helpless when it comes to auto repair (can change oil) is worth the $500 repair cost or should I buy the components myself and find someone who can install them for less? Maybe get a second opinion on the problems or does this all sound about right? Thanks

Did the mechanic tell you what is the code? It's pretty important to have the code to understand what the problem is.

1. Distributor cap has oil in it - all you need is an oil ring to seal it. No need to replace it unless it's bad and causing ignition problems. The part costs under $2.

2. Oxy sensor - I doubt it will casue what you stated. But would like to know the code to be sure.

I also suspect the fuel filter. If it's dirty/clogged, can cause this intermittent problem also.

fix it yourself also oil in the dis will make the cars performance hesitate alot as far as the oxygen sensor hes probably just going off what the troublecode is also you wouldnt have to change the whole dis you juast have to change the cap and o2 sensor

Did the mechanic tell you what is the code? It's pretty important to have the code to understand what the problem is.

1. Distributor cap has oil in it - all you need is an oil ring to seal it. No need to replace it unless it's bad and causing ignition problems. The part costs under $2.

2. Oxy sensor - I doubt it will casue what you stated. But would like to know the code to be sure.

I also suspect the fuel filter. If it's dirty/clogged, can cause this intermittent problem also.

I do not remember him saying what the code was, but I will try and call to see if they have it on file. So do you think a novice could replace the oil ring without too much trouble? I think I need to pickup one of those do it yourself manuals. Thanks for the quick feedback guys

I do not remember him saying what the code was, but I will try and call to see if they have it on file. So do you think a novice could replace the oil ring without too much trouble? I think I need to pickup one of those do it yourself manuals. Thanks for the quick feedback guys
Autozone will read your codes for free. Then go from there.

I have not removed distributor on Hondas, but have done it on other cars. You need to be carefull to not move anything while the distributor is removed, but other then that it should be fairly easy.

Good luck,

Sam

well I ended up spending the money and getting the mechanic to replace the distributor for me and I am still having the same problem. It seems to hapen more often if I turn on the A/C. Any chance that it could be the o2 sensor or should I just quit pouring money into this car that may just be at its end of life? Thanks

I had a 92 that did the same thing. My fix was getting the EGR ports cleaned out. Damn thing ran brand new after that.

Cris P.

Like Cris P. said it sounds like the EGR ports are clogged. I did this to my '96 Accord and it is not a difficult job if you want to do it yourself. Here is an article that may be helpful: http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl053c.htm
It is a very inexpensive job to perform on your own or by someone that is confident working on a car.