96 civic ex losing power! Vtec hessitation!
 

Just recently a couple of things have been happening to my car, one including a noticeable loss in power. It almost seems like a fuel issue, but at the same time seem like it could be the distributor, but i just replaced it not too long ago (With a used one). My Vtec has also started hesitation, or "Bucking" twice when activated. Any ideas? Let me know if more info is needed, all the help is appreciated.

96 honda civic ex coupe (Auto)
JDM D15B Vtec engine
174k miles
Getting a lot of smoke, im being told i need new piston rings

My car is throwing a P0452 code (NO CEL) but i think it might be the sensor going bad

Re: 96 civic ex losing power! Vtec hessitation!
 

If it's burning a lot of oil (blue smoke), piston rings are the most likely culprit.

I'm not sure about 6th gens, but VTEC 7th gens (specifically the D17A2) will go into limp mode when it is low on oil. Potentially this is the same? It would explain the abrupt bucking at VTEC engagement as that's roughly where rev limiter is in limp, if I recall correctly.

Re: 96 civic ex losing power! Vtec hessitation!
 

Yeah its burning a lot of oil, blue smoke, and i am low on oil (Just checked). Im not leaking oil which is a good sign, i was planning on upgrading my pistons anyways. I will fill her up with oil and let you know what happens. I really appreciate the info! :tup: