I have a silver 2000 Integra LS 4dr automatic with 162k miles that just started having rough idle - almost as if it wants to cut off unless I give it a little gas, but runs fine at any speed above idle. I took it to Acura and they removed spark plugs and number 3 piston has oil on top due to possible bad piston ring. They really can't tell exactly whats wrong until a breakdown.

Prior to this recent finding my car was in good shape (except the slight oil burning during start) and I just had the spark plugs, wires and rotor cap replaced by Acura, also had radiator drain and refill.

I purchased the car used with 27k miles and shortly afterwards I noticed faint humming sound from transmission at 40 mph. Took it to Acura and they replaced entire transmission under warranty without any hassle and I've never had any more problems since. So tranny actually only has about 130k on it.

At about 100k miles my radiator went bad, so I got the radiator replaced and decided since I was at the 100k mark; I had acura also replace timing belt, water pump and hoses. Never had any major issues except regular maintenance until now. As I mentioned, the car actually runs fine at any speed above idle, but I know its time for us to part. Acura quoted about 4k for a used engine swap. I wouldn't mind engine swap or rebuild as the rest of car is in good shape but I don't know any trusted mechanics in the area and I'm sure I could get it fix for much less than 4k.

Other parts replaced (all by Acura):

Starter replaced roughly at 130k

Oil pan replaced roughly at 145k.
Thank the IDIOTS at sears as they put the wrong size drain plug to replace my Fram "Sure Drain" plug. The original drip from the Fram plug turned to a light leak because of these idiots. I got tired of the stains on the carport so i just had Acura replace to pan.

As you can tell I really took care of this car and it currently has lots of new parts. I don't want to sell a lemon and that why I'm being upfront with current issues but I'm amazed at how well it currently rides am not really sure if the rough idle is as bad as I think it is.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a reasonable offer and how much it would cost to get fix? I'm thinking of selling for a strong $2k and maybe around a $1500 for overhaul or possible and engine swap from a decent mechanic.

Pics

 

Oil on top sounds like leaking valve stem seals. Easy replace if you have some motor experience. Shouldn't be too expensive from a shop either.

 

if you are concerned about the rough idle,

you could, change plugs, cap and rotor, new fuel filter and clean the throtle body.

 

Also, another over looked item that would cause some of this is the PCV valve.

 

also take a look at your IACV. the screen gets clogged with carbon and causes rough idle. wouldnt solve the oil on the piston though

 

To check if its piston rings or valve seals, have a friend, girlfriend, family member, stand on the street and put it into first gear. Drive by with your foot at least half way on the gas. Then drive by again with the car being slowed down by the low gear (higher in the rpm range)

If you have any blue smoke coming out of your exhaust during acceleration then its piston rings. Under engine braking its valve seals.

As for the idle Just listen to the other comments.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies

I put the car in the shop who specializes in honda/acura's and they said 3 fuel injectors were running lean and 1 injector was leaking which does correspond to my poor fuel economy.

I told them to replace just the leaking one but they said its possible it still wont clear the engine light.

I'm going to ask when I get my car back how they know the injector is leaking if the system is closed. They did hook into computer and got back some generic error code about cylinder but not sure how they determined it was leaking.

Has anyone ever have injectors go bad at 160k? I always use BP 93 - I know 93 octane isnt required but my logic was that it would burn cleaner and possibly increase the life of the fuel filter and subsequent systems. Now im wondering if my fuel filter needs replacing after 160k miles, but the shop nor Acura never mentioned this so I assume its ok..

 

find out what codes you are throwing

 

Probably a cylinder misfire code. Fuel filters can go bad quickly, it just depends on how much junk is in the gas tank and gas you're using. The higher 93 octane gas ins't necessarily "cleaner," it just has more additives to give it the higher rating.

 

I had a rough idle problem on my 1988 integra for several years. Many local shops and two acura dealers (one assured me that their most experienced mechanic was assigned the job) couldn't fix it. Finally, the problem was identified as a faulty idler pulley. Replacement of this item solved the problem.