Hi, my name is Devin. I am an auto repair expert with the Car Genius team here at RepairPal. So sorry to hear you're having trouble with your vehicle.
You've done a fantastic job so far on your Prelude! Given the symptoms, it sounds like a fuel delivery or idle control issue. Since the car has been sitting for a while, I would first make sure you have fresh gas to rule out fuel contamination. The idle air control valve (IACV) might be dirty or faulty, which could cause the engine to stall when you let off the gas. Also, check for any vacuum leaks, which can lead to stalling issues. Since it ran well initially, a compression issue is less likely, but it's good to rule it out. To do a compression test, you'll need a compression gauge, and follow these steps:
1. Remove the spark plugs.
2. Insert the compression gauge into the spark plug holes one at a time.
3. Crank the engine a few times with the throttle wide open.
4. Record the pressure reading and compare it to your service manual’s specifications.
Keep up the great work, and don't get discouraged!
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