My car: 2001 Honda Accord LX, 4cyl Inline, 5spd Manual

Over the past 6-7 months I have been noticing a drop in the pick up/power in the first few gears. Almost like the engine is having to work harder to maintain its performance. This is without turning on the AC.
Also, the needle movement on the tachometer is never smooth, its always jerky.. I am not sure if thats useful information.
At my last scheduled Oil change (at Jiffylube - I wasnt too impressed they were trying to sell me a lot more than I needed - a plain old oil change), I told the mechanic about the loss in pick up and power, he said that he would look into it and then told me that my PCV valve was broken and needed to change it. I wasnt sure this was the case but asked him to put in a new one anyway.
After this my car seemed to be performing like it used to, but after a couple of weeks it was back to its old ways.
Does anyone know what is going on and what I need to do to get it fixed/figured out?

Thanks

 

How many miles on the car? Check and make sure that he actually changed the PCV valve (although I don't see how that could cause your issues...) what other maintenece has been done on it recently?

When was the last time you did plugs, wires, cap and rotor?

 

How much did they charge you for the PCV valve and install? Reallistically all it takes is $3 and some pliers.

Can you describe it in more detail? Does it "stutter" in 1st and 2nd gear? What RPM is it at?

Stuttering between 1k and 2k are common symptoms of clogged EGR ports.

 

How many miles on the car?
I have 85Ks on the car, I purchased it at 55K (certified).

what other maintenece has been done on it recently?
All I have been doing is the scheduled maintenence as per the Honda manual.

Does it "stutter" in 1st and 2nd gear?
A stutter would be a better way to describe it, and yes, it does occur inthe 1st and 2nd gear.

The stuttering does occur in the first few K rpm's. I will have to confirm it though.

I also notice it at times when I try to go upto 4k from 3k

I usually shift around 3.5K rpms

 

Oh! and they charged me $$$14.99

 

I'd agree with finch, it sounds like an emissions issue like clogged EGR ports or something of that nature... I'd get a can of seafoam and run it through the engine and the fuel for starters and see if that helps. Also, if you don't know when the plugs were last changed I'd put in a new set of NGK's just to be safe... (no bosch btw...)

 

Is it OK for me to change the spark plugs myself? I am no the most mechanically savvy guy around but I own a toolkit and use it often, just not on my car.

Is there a specific spark plug I should choose(the ones for a 2001 Accord LX I4 of course). The NGK was recommended, but other that any subclass of NGK I should use?

About the seafom that was recommended was that to clean up the EGR ports? Also is it ok for me to do that myself? Is there a guide online I canuse to perform the seafoam cleaning?

 

Any NGK will be fine, I use the v-power ones myself. All you need is a spark plug socket (it has rubber in it to hold the plug) and don't over tighten them! It's really simple, just get them in snug.

 

Hello, I have a 2001 accord 5spd, 98k miles. My car has this same problem. It is just gutless. I has not thrown a cel so no help there. I am going to do the cap, rotor and plugs this weekend. I did pull the plugs and they are burning hot and lean.

I was thinking maybe a clogged fuel pump screen,, but after reading this thread maybe clogged egr ports?

Am I on the right track?

Thanks