Hi guys I'm posting this topic because I need as much opinions and help as possible.

Today, as I was driving my 2001 Honda S2000 during an extreme hot day around 6 30 P.M in Los Angeles when my car started to act up... It began to get very jerky getting off first gear with an unpleasant engine sound.(Car shook more than usual. Accelerating the pedal would make the problem worse.) Not only that, the check engine light kept flickering also. Before all of this about 4 weeks ago I started to notice a squeaking sound coming from the head of my engine in which I'm guessing it was the valves. I was going to get that checked up as soon as I receive some kind of income to repair the problem. Well any how, as soon as the car started to act up today I pulled over on the street leaving my engine to idle. Yes, its still shaking and making a weird noise. I know for a fact its not my engine mount because I've recently got that changed about 7 months ago. So as I was walking around my car trying to hear where this rattling weird sound is coming from and I noticed that it was coming from my Cadillac converter. By examining it I noticed part of the medal on it was red which was not a pleasant sight. I turned off my car right away thinking its probably just needs to cool off and I'm pretty sure everything is going to go back to normal so I give it about an 1 1/2. As soon as I got back to my car I noticed my shift knob was extremely hot even though the sun wasn't out. This was not normal. I slowly drove the car home after that encountering the same problem ( it was very difficult and aggravating knowing this is happening to my baby)... Guys...any idea what the problem might be?..and if so, how much do you think repairs are going to run me...This is my everyday commute... =(

 

Cadillac Converter??? I think you mean Catalytic Converter my friend

 

Opps sorry guys. Catalytic converter..

 

Flashing check engine light = BAD. By cheaping out on short term repairs, you may have cost yourself a really big one.

I'd start by checking the spark plugs. If you're lucky, you might just have a loose / worn spark plug. Rich running conditions can toast your cat.

 

yep when my checked engine flashed both times it happend my valves were dropping

 

I used to have a Cadillac converter.

It converted savings into debt...

 

OMG...I can't stop laughing. Cadillac converter! Nice.

Jeff...sorry to make light of your typo when you probably have a serious problem.

CKit is right...if the CEL is blinking, it's probably big trouble. You need to get the CEL code read and let us know what it says. I would post up in your regional s2ki forum for a shop recommendation near you to help you diagnose the problem.

If you are lucky, your catalytic converter (or we just call it the cat) may be bad. If so, that is an easy fix and possibly inexpensive. Many owners have decided to remove their cat and they can be found for sale cheap or even free.

If it is something more serious, such as a dropped valve or cracked ring, then you are looking at more than $1000 in repairs (potentially even a new motor).

BTW...when was the last time you checked your oil level?

 

damn this is not good...not good at all. My last oil changed was about 1500 miles ago. And for my valves..I think something possibly is wrong with it..Who knows until I take it to the mechanic for an inspection.. Ill inform you guys more info when I do. I appreciate all your time and effort!

 

you sound like you need more knowledge in this area.

a steady blinking CEL is not good. at all. but, if the light is intermittent it could be an o2 sensor going a foul - not half as bad!

if you have reason to believe your cat is failing it will trip the sensor and will throw a code. however, there shouldn't be massive stumbling if the car still has the primary sensor intact.

i dont know if you dropped a valve - i thought the consequences were more final than what you're describing. billman!!!!

 

Last oil change doesn't matter...when was the last time you checked the oil level. Go out and do it now and tell us if you can see any oil on the dip stick and where the level is.