I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX with the 1.6L D16Y8 engine and manual trans. I have some issues that I am not sure if they're related or not...

Recently this started:

When I am driving and lets say am about to slow down to turn and step on the clutch and hold it there while I downshift to 2nd, the engine RPMs will drop drastically and the engine will almost stall. Even if I just sit idling and step on the clutch all the way the engine kind of hesitates and the idle drops by 200-300 RPMs. The engine just seems a little sluggish in general, especially in 1st gear when accelerating. It's also a very hard car to get to accelerate smoothly without any hesitation or jerking, almost like you don't know how to drive a manual but have been for 10 years plus.

The only other issue I have is a code P1457 for an EVAP Canister System leak. It only comes up about 3-4 times a month and stays off for a week or more once clearing, so I doubt the two things are related.

My biggest question is ARE THE RPMS AT IDLE SUPPOSED TO DROP WHEN YOU STEP ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL ALL THE WAY? Someone told me NO and someone told me YES because you're taking the load OFF the engine which tells the ECM to adjust the IAC to lower the idle speed...

Anyone?

THANKS!

 

well the rpms should drop but should kill the motor.
if it snot running to smooth. when was the last time the motor had a tune up? or seafoam cleaned. both can help it run smoother.