So I've been having a problem with my 2000 Civic LX 5 speed. When I am driving for a lengthened period of time, say more than 30 minutes straight, or if the temperature outside is hot say 90˚ plus, my check engine light will come on and the engine itself will sputter and go into "limp home mode". (It won't rev above 2500 and it feels like the cat is clogged. If I push the clutch in, the engine will just die.) This will happen on the freeway or around town. When this happens I just pull over, shut the car off and wait a few minutes for it to cool down, then it usually starts back up and runs fine.

So tonight while I was driving, and it was very dark outside. It happened again so I pulled over and popped the hood I noticed my exhaust manifold was glowing red hot. (not sure if that is normal, but an idea popped in my head once i saw that). Here is what i think is happening. Can anyone confirm or deny this for me?


-I have an exhaust leak due to a cracked exhaust manifold.(and it is quite obvious)
-Because I have an exhaust leak, my engine is running too lean
-Since my engine is running lean, my combustion temperatures are increased
-Since combustion temps are increased, exhaust gas temps are also increased
-The increased exhaust gas temp is heating my manifold more than normal, which in turn heats up the O2 sensor.
-The O2 sensor gets too hot and the resistance in the wires increases thereby sending faulty reading to my ECU
-My ECU sees there is a problem and send my engine into "limp home mode"


Does this seem feasible???

 

Seems pretty feasible to me.
Go get a header or manifold and try.
You could probably source one off a wrecked car for pretty cheap

 

Have the codes checked. Once you know what the codes are that will be a big help in accurately diagnosing your issue. That way you're not just throwing parts at it.

 

Your header should definitely not be glowing red. This is a D16Y7 correct?

 

D16Y7??? Is that the engine code? It's got the stock 1.something litre engine.