So, after reading some threads here I am convinced I need to change the fuel filter for my 99 Integra. I bought it last week and this morning the check engine light came on and it started sputtering at idle and it is hard to get it moving without really stepping on it. The guy I bought it from said it had new plugs and wires. So fuel filter it is? Should I run some fuel system cleaner through it? DO I do that before or after replacing the filter?

 

i had a similar problem in my accord...my mech replaced the fuel filter and it works fine now.

 

Fuel system cleaner will not really help the fuel filter, believe me, when it gets to the point you are at they get nasty as hell. Last one i took out was oozing with black stuff. Fuel system cleaner is great for injectors though, I try to use it twice a year atleast.

 

so change the filter first, then run the cleaner through?

 

The fuel filter is most likely your problem, the cleaner will not fix it is what I am saying.

 

there are other things to check too. when i pressure washed my engine, water got down the spark plug hole and was shorting the connection between the plug wire and the plug. dry out the water, problem solved. also, check to make sure your plugs are gapped correctly. checking your air filter couldn't hurt either. and yeah, fuel cleaner isn't a bad idea, but if your filter is toast, fuel cleaner probably won't do shit. if you get cleaner, get B&G Products 44K. that shit is expensive as hell ($30) but it's worth it because it WORKS. what year integra, how many miles, did you get service records with the car? is it super clean or a little beat up? you may want to consider doing a full tune-up just for peace of mind.

oil change
tranny fluid change
valve adjustment
valve cover gasket, tube seals, cam plug seal, new grommets
synthetic oil/honda oil filter
replace coolant
new belts/hoses

if the car has high miles and you don't have service records, doing all this cheap easy stuff can make the car run SO much happier.

 

Recommend cleaning the Throttle Body bore & butterfly, as this area often gets gummed with carbon & oil deposits, causing poor idle quality. That Fuel system cleaner you get & the parts store........not good, most of them actually leaves small deposits on spark plugs, seek the Fuel System cleaning of a "tune up or performance shop", average cost = 59.99, but much better than "over the counter". Also, the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) should be checked out, as it will give you a direction as to what is going on in the eyes of the PCM.