98' Accord problems - replace/fix EGR valve, variable timing valve cam solenoid

[Archangel1988]

Hey guys,

I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX (sedan) 4cyl automatic with 135K miles. Just bought the car 2 months ago when some guy in an M5 took out my Nissan Sentra on Rt. 73. Car rode fine for first month, no problems. Then check engine light came on.

Got following codes:
P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire detected
P0303 - Cylinder 2 Misfire detected
P0304 - Cylinder 2 Misfire detected
P0300, P1399 – Random misfire
MIL ON – manufacture indicator lamp on
MISFIRE
EGR

So after I got this news and did some research, took my car to mechanic. THought he was just gonna have to replace spark plugs/distributor (basic tune up).
He came back with estimate for $900:

Replace EGR valve ($300)
Variable timing valve cam solenoid ($267)
Replace flex pipe in exhaust ($100)
3 hours labor ($85/hr)

So that's waaaay too much money, so now I'm here. I am a college student, and can probably do this stuff myself. Just need some directions. Looked for some of the parts online, found the EGR valve for $80 (big difference from 300). I used to go to a different mechanic (family friend) and he was always inexpensive (or at least I felt like I wasn't getting ripped off). But he went out of business. So is this guy ripping me off and can anyone help me with directions or tell me if this stuff would be within my ability to do?

Thanks,
Mike

P.S. also, now my oil light comes on and flashes on and off while I'm driving. checked oil and added more, checked again, oil on dipstick is black, light still flashes. the mechanic said the head of my engine had been swapped. what does that mean? I'm assuming he means the top part that covers the cylinders??

[The Alchemist]

Yeah.

Best bet is to try it yourself.

EGR is a simple thing to fix, and most likly it isnt even the issue here. Your flashing codes for misfiring Im assuming. Im not even going to bother looking them up.

For starters test out your coil first. Go to the auto store and get an Ohm meter, and download a helms manual for your car. Test out your plug wires, check the gap on your plugs,test coil and test your dizzy. If they arent in spec fix it or replace it. Also when your all done, do a master reset on the ecu, which can simply be done by pulling out a fuse, or just disconnecting your battery. Although your radio presets will be lost if you do that.

First thing is first, determine the problem. Than fix it. Also get some sort of oil pressure gauge. If your oil pressure is bad, below 10 psi at idle, you probally have a major issue on your hands, which I would be more worried about that, than a misfire, or the egr.

[Archangel1988]

ok thanks. i'll do that, and let you know

[Keeper1343]

Its not an oil problem. His problem is either spark or flow. The very first thing I would do is, disconnect the header from the rest of the exhaust and see if your flex pipe collasped in on itself or if your cat is clogged. If your not sure, take a good picture of them and put them up here. If they turn out to be fine, I would replace plugs and wired and rotor. Your coil is fine. You wouldn't get just a misfire on number 2 of your coil was bad. EGR valve is prob not the problem. Although most of the time you can just clean them. Wouldn't hurt to take off your vtec solenoid and clean it while your cleaning things. Its supposed to cleaned every 15,000 miles I believe. Inspect to see if there are any "glitter" looking particals in it.

Edit... i didn't see your sentence on the bottom lol... if your oil light is flashing then you prob have no oil in your car at all. That is BADDDDD. Don't drive it or even start it up until you have fresh oil in it... Your oil pump could be shot as well. I would remove the oil pan and check to see if the sump in the oil pan is clogged. That could cause low oil pressure.

[jen.]

Edit... i didn't see your sentence on the bottom lol... if your oil light is flashing then you prob have no oil in your car at all. That is BADDDDD. Don't drive it or even start it up until you have fresh oil in it... Your oil pump could be shot as well. I would remove the oil pan and check to see if the sump in the oil pan is clogged. That could cause low oil pressure.

This. Oil light flashing is really bad. When is the last time the oil in the car was changed? (not just added) Do you know what your oil pressure is?

Sounds like you have multiple problems. It isn't uncommon for the EGR to wear out on these. Nor is it uncommon for the flex pipe to rust out. These sound like problems in addition to whatever your issue is with the oil. EGR wouldn't cause misfire CEL codes, though. They would be emissions related. Did your mechanic actually do the tune up and this is the work they are now saying you need in addition to the tune up, or have you not checked plugs, wires, etc. yet?

[01NightHawk]

EGR issues can cause misfire codes.


I suggest swapping your EGR solenoid with a known working one from a friend to determine if it really is bad. (easy enough) I'm not very familiar with the F series in that year accord - do you know if you have EGR ports on the intake manifold? I know H22's are known to have issues with the ports becoming clogged around 120k and require the intake manifold to be removed and the ports drilled out/cleaned/replaced.

Flexpipe - just have it replaced. I do believe $100 for that alone is a bit much...

Oil light? Do an oil change immediately. There's a number of things that could be wrong there....but thats one thing to start with.

As Keeper said - just clean your vtec solenoid. I don't see why a mechanic should tell you that your solenoid NEEDS to be fixed other than a quick buck. The car will run fine with a bad solenoid, you just wont engage vtec when you hit your crossover. Clean it, 9/10 times that's all it needs. If it doesn't engage after you've cleaned the screen within it - and you want it to properly work then have it replaced whenever you want it done.


Alchemist is spot on with the troubleshooting as well, and getting a helms will be a big help during the time you own that specific car.

[saxon]

I thought the lx doesn't even have a vtec head?

Never drive with a blinking oil light

Find a used dizzy (very cheap) new plugs and wires

New egr, and clean out the ports when you install it

[The Alchemist]

The very first thing I would do is, disconnect the header from the rest of the exhaust and see if your flex pipe collasped in on itself or if your cat is clogged.


If this was true, his car would be running like ****, and have a tendency to stall out, and have no power.