1998 Accord LX 2.3L

Engine started running very rough when cold idling. The CEL came on and started winking at me. Ran the codes and got:

P0300
P0301
P0302
P1399 - Huh?
P1456

Think I found the cause of 1456. There was a hose that was severely cracked that ran from under the gas refill area from an elbow connector to a part that ran to the canister vent shut valve. Replaced.

Replaced the distributor cap and wires. New plugs just put in less than a year ago. Looked good. brownish coloration on no.s 1 and 2, but no oil, no milky white. They are NGK plugs.

Oil was leaking pretty badly out of the area where the distributor meets the camshaft. A little got into the distributor. Not sure if thats a problem but I couldn't replace it since no one had that part in stock.

It runs strong after it warms up a bit, but when you first start it, it feels like you're in one of those vibrating beds in a cheap hotel.

I have a bad balance shaft or crankshaft seal and I'm wondering if oil got on the timing belt and it jumped a tooth. What is the likliness of that happening?

 

If it runs good after warming, timing belt slip is not likely. An unlikely event in any case.

P1399 is a code that is not listed for your vehicle (Autozone), but others have reported this code when multiple misfires are detected. Perhaps a Honda specific code that is undocumented.

Is Check Engine Light coming on after cold start? If yes, and codes remain P0301, P0302 look for possible 1) failing cylinder head gasket (losing any coolant would be another indicator), 2) oil fouling from leaking valve stem seals (much less likely but possible).

Also suggest swapping cylinders 1-2 plugs w/ 3-4 cylinders to be sure bad plugs are not the problem.

good luck

 

The CEL is on when you start it. Then it starts to blink. Found a distributor and put it on. No difference. That would be too easy. Car loses coolant but the radiator has a leak on the top driver side so no telling. If it wasnt the third radiator in 5 years I would've fixed it by now.

Thinking I may be beyond simple parts. Just put in a rebuilt trans last march so it may be time for its first trip to the dealer. This engine is so finicky. May be a head gasket. With my luck its nearly a guarantee.