my 1995 integra has an engine knock and won't idle whats the problem?
 

-could it just be broken down oil?















-or should i be using a higher octane fuel?

Sounds like a rod or piston issue. Have it checked out.

none of the above, broken down oil can't cause this















neither can fuel, what do you mean by it won't idle















you mean it'll die if you just let it be? but at 2~3 x 1000 rpm















she goes fine? i'd check the timing, oxygen sensor, pcv valve... etc it's with the timing system most likely































But then since there's knock, it could be either combination of any of the above with hydraulic lifter































OR harmonic balancer

sounds like you might have more then one problem. sound like a rod might be knocking, and you could have fuel injector problems...you could also have a fuel pump problems... either way sound like your going to spend a lot of $$$ to fix the problem (s)