I have a 1996 Honda Accord LX. The other day I decided to do a tune up, I replaced the old spark plugs (which had never before been done to the car surprisingly), changed the oil, and replaced the PCV valve. Anyhow, after I swapped out the spark plugs I ended up having to go to the store for something. Halfway there I stopped at a stop-light and my RPM's dropped to about 200-300RPMs and the car started shaking. Light turns green and off I go, the RPMS go back to normal and the shaking stops once i hit 5mph. When i get home i pop the hood and notice one of the spark plug boots is sticking about half an inch to an inch out of the tube. I try to push it down but it wont stay down and keeps pushing back up. I ended up grabbing one of the old spark plugs and swapping it back in. This fixed the problem, or so I thought. The boot doesnt stick out anymore and still hasnt, but ive found when im at a dead stop my RPM's will still drop down to about 350-400 which I find somewhat strange. No shaking, but unusually low RPM's. What could be the problem and what can I do to fix it?

 

Was there any oil in the spark plug tubes?

 

A few drops IF that. Not necessarily in the tubes but moreso on the actual boot tube. 3 little drips

 

Something was forcing that one plug to pop up.

I wonder if there was some debris in the spark plug tube that prevented the new spark plug from seating properly? I would also inspect the metal clip in the spark plug wire that sits on the plug.

What spark plugs did you use?

Did you inspect the inside of the distributor cap and rotor?

 

Several possibilities; you installed spark plug seals incorrectly and crankshaft pressure ejected spark plug wire ends from spark plug wells under acceleration (slight postive pressure occurs during acceleration).

You installed the PVC incorrectly (unlikely since it shouldn't fit but one way).

You have a blockage in a PVC hose; outlet (valve cover to intake manifold).

If crankcase can't vent pressure builds and will eject something; camshaft, crankshaft, or forward balance shaft seals, spark plug tubes, or other.

good luck

 

Well i tried your suggestion and went ahead and tried to click in the boot tube. it worked. They arent popping out and are staying put finally. BUT, my idle still sits at 800RPMS at a dead stop. and occasionally will fluctuate from 500-800rpms when at a stop. yet my plugs are seated properly...

 

well thats normal idle rpm.

550-850

you may have air in your cooling system, have you done anythig with your radiator lately?

could also need to clean your egr ports or your Idle Air Control Valve

 

Idle should be stable at around 800 rpm regardless of load; ac, alternator, etc. If it drops low occasionally, the IACV, throttle plate and throttle bore should be cleaned. Check DIY forum for guidance.

good luck