aorden

Summary: My car seems like it is misfiring or fuel starved at 65-75 cruising.
However, acceleration up to and beyond is great.
Facts: did complete clean up intake manifold, checked and reset all valve clearances, new spark plugs, O2 sensors(2), new EGR valve, new ICV, new MAP sensor, new TPS, new Timing belt, water pump.
Checked vacuum ..ok everywhere. No leaks detected.
Car starts and hums at idle, running car at high rpm in standing position...no problems, clean exhaust, no pinging, no trouble codes (using a Snap On Tools 4K+ computer)
I am thinking could this be 1. Fuel injectors? 2. Fuel Pressure 3. could this be the dual point fancy spark plugs I put in?
I am running out of ideas....
Any help appreciated.
Adam

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

NGK Iridium IX should be the only plugs you use.

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

Check hydro carbon levels?

chris03tl

Did you use Seafoam in the gas?

Wondering if there is crud stuck to the "sock" filter

Ive read of Maxima/i30 owners that replaced the sock on their fuel pumps and reported smoother acceleration at higher RPMs...almost like the computer was adjusting for less fuel pressure by trimming power.

aorden

No...did not use seafoam. I have a new fuel filter that I am going to install this weekend at the fuel pump/gas tank location....

aorden

Thanks.
I am going to change the plugs out this weekend...and cross my fingers.

aorden

Everything reads normal on my computer.

01tl4tl

wrong plugs, plain and simple

there is a reason the TL has 2 approved makers and one design plug
denso cost more and last fewer miles, so most of us run the ngk iridium or iridium ix

99s had ngk irids, 00-03 came with platinum
gen3 came with irids
see ngk website for info on different plugs

01tl4tl

how are you putting a filter inline
and why?

run seafoam thru gas tank at 1- 16 ounce can to 8 gallons (just under half tank)
do 1/2 can in manifold vac port for intake valves and pistons etc
or do gas tank a 2nd time and all will be clean- from filter sock to cat

dont forget to clean the TB air plate on both sides and edges-
carb cleaner or deep creep are good for that job

3.2_Vtec

i guess the 2000 comes with fuel filter? cause i dont think mines (2001) comes with one. but i would guess, the Fuel preasure regulator.

01tl4tl

what is this rash of suggestions to replace fp reg recently?

there are several things to ck before suspecting that expensive part
basic cleanings --especially egr path inside manifold
CORRECT SPARK PLUGS make all the differance to the TL~

let the guy install those and report back= before more parts replaced at random

01tl4tl

all the gen2 had the internal filter sock,,no external fuel filter

If you add it--make sure its the correct operating pressure rating
or you will end up with a melted TL

aorden

Thank you to all who responded.
The car now runs literally as if brand new.(2000TL w/ 200ki)
here is what I did..take from it what you need. Idle perfect, acceleration amazing and engine as quiet as a butterfly.
1. Removed intake manifold and EGR. Spent at least 4 hours meticulously cleaning out carbon build up that was caked on and blocking all 6 EGR ports in the manifold. (You will need 4-6 cans of Carb Cleaner and an air compressor)
2. Removed EGR valve. Run a small wire brush and 4 cans of Carbur Cleaner + High pressure air to thourougly and completely remove all carbon deposits from EGR valve back through engine to intake manifold ..this takes some work. If you blow air with carb cleaner through this a rag should look clean ..not dirty.
3. All of the above must be done till everything looks brand new and there is FREE Flow thorough the egr system
4. New factory spec plugs
5. New Fuel injectors (FYI...buy new ones from NAPA for 65 Bucks...better than rebuilt and cheaper)..(hint: put a little silicone grease around the seals to enable them to seat properly).
6. New fuel pump filter ..
7. Make Sure the throttle body is completely clean..check the ICV..(replace it...I did because it's probably alll gooked up).
Just my opinion..there is NO amount of chemical BS (i.e. Seafoam) that you can squirt into the EGR system or the intake manifold that will clean this out..you need to take everything apart and clean it with brushes, carb cleaner and cotton swabs. Trust me on this !!..this stuff is baked on rock hard carbon.

Also, don't be cheap. Get genuine Acura intake manifold gaskets !

I have verified that the EGR carbon build up problem is the issue with this vehicle with several top Acura Mechanics...these same mechanics recommend that use of Mobil or Shell super premium will keep this problem from recurring.