1989 Accord: Problem On Hills

I have a 1989 Accord, AT. I've noticed that the car has had very
sluggish shifting of gears and now it experiences very "jerky"
performance on hills. It feels as if the engine just loses power on
hills and then sluggishly jerks forward. It's almost impossible to go
up steep grades. Any thoughts on a cause?

 

Do you think it could be because it's freakin' 18 years old...?

 

A plugged catalytic converter has often been reported to be
the cause of these symptoms.

Other, less expensive possibilities: Needs either new air
filter, fuel filter, OEM plugs-wires-distributor cap, and
check the timing. I would not rule out the need for a new
oxygen sensor just yet, either.

How many miles on this car? When was the last time a tuneup
was done? Were OEM parts used?

 

This is classic clogged fuel filter symptom. Not enough fuel gets to the
engine under the load of climbing the hill. Replace both fuel filters. One
back by the tank, the other in the engine compartment.


JP

 

If it's a carbed version, at least, the rear filter is IN the tank, as
part of the pump assembly...