When first getting the 2001 TL with 160,000 miles on her I detected a Bogging and stuttering problem and instantly chocked it up to a tranny problem because of all the horror stories. But now I can say with some confidence that it is a Motor problem. It only happens at slow speeds when the engine is stresses. Such as going up a hill at a slow steady pace, or using SS and going to slow in third. What can I do to correct this minor issue?? Thanks.

 

umm... tune up?

 

How mechanically inclined are you? Being you just bought it I would compression check and check the health of the engine. Spark plugs replaced? I would make sure you have the right ones. Egr ports and iacv need a good cleaning as well

 

I agree with new spark plugs - chances are at 160 it got done once at 105.. or maybe never from the sounds of it~
Easy to remove a front and inspect its condition
use only NGK Iridium or Iridum IX plugs

also ck the timing belt/water pump replacement status- was due at 105
and would explain why the car was for sale

egr port and passage clogging would show up on those conditions of low rpm and load on hill
easy 2 hour diy
clean IAC idle control located inside TB, do with egr service

engine air filter condition?

and my favorite- a can of seafoam thru half a tank of gas, do that twice and all the induction system is clean like new! a $120 shop job for under $20

 

@01tl4tl

I had a reputable shop local to me their price for a COMPLETE timing job with tensioners is 600 bucks and that's using Acura dealer parts. I assume that is a good dea right.

Sorry not trying to jack your thread (Glockgen4).

 

thats an awesome price---
one that would make me ask for a written list of what they plan to replace, includes waterpump? both idler and tensioner pullies on the timing belt?,,
and what else do they anticipate may be needed, based on past experience
various extra seals-valve cover bolt seals etc

what about the ps tensioner and the accessory belts while you are there?
wont hurt to do the accessory/ac belt tensioner too- mine went at 80kmiles, listen with a mechanics stethascope to ck bearings
In my opinion do everything to make it go another 100 without any concerns

dealer parts on the ziner discount are $300 from prestige acura- one of our sponsors
they charge much more in the shop for those same parts

new rad hoses and thermostat may be needed by now too

HOW MANY TL t-belt jobs have they actually done is the big question!!
you dont want to be the test subject they learn on

for that low price on labor, ask how much to pull the manifold and clean the egr ports and passage (maybe 1.5 hours)- (see if they know abut this critical job not listed in any book)
and adjust the valves,, since they are halfway there in parts removal to access the valves it reduces total labor

 

So far I have run sea foam thru the tank, sea foam thru the vac line and a bit of sea foam into the crank case at oil change. I replaced all the spark plugs about a week ago.

Those things did improve the engine but I still have that low RPM studder.

I will also try some of the other suggestions I have received in this thread. Thanks!

 

Edited.

 

egr passage and port clogging is the likely suspect

you used the correct ngk plugs?

seafoam: 1 can to just under half tank
and half can or so thru Master vac port
not some side line- the nipple at the TB area

 

@01tl4tl

I'm gonna do the EGR stuff myself when i get a chance. The plugs are gonna be changed also, just gotta get the cash to do so. Locally the IX plugs are 6.99 each maybe less lol I have a cuz who is the commercial manager at my local AZ.