92hatch_12

ok i have a 92 civic hatch. D15B7. When i start it it has a little miss when it idles
and when you rev it it sputters and you can hear the exhaust pop and crackle and it sounds terrible.If i floor it it sputters and crackle but it still revs up high. and the rpm guage hops all over the place. I think its electrical im not sure maybe a sensor.. i have no idea.. I have put a wire and plugs on and a new valve cover gaskit set because when i first started looking for what was wrong there was oil down in ever spark plug holes. If anyone could help i would really appreciate it!

Former User

Check the cap and rotor.

Any CEL codes?

92hatch_12

What are CEL Codes? Cap and rotor look good so i didnt replace them.

92hatch_12

Ok I looked up CEL Codes.. How do i check them?

92hatch_12

Ok Sorry im sounding like an idiot.. I started her up no CEL light came on... But it wasnt sputtering that time i started it.. i might still be warm from when i was working on it earlier.

thenext

Any weird smoke coming out of the tailpipe?

fleabag

redo all of your electrical grounds. get the helms manual and look at the electrical ground guide. Don't just check your grounds, actually take off ALL OF THEM and then clean them. can't stress this enough.

92hatch_12

There was smoke after i fixed the seals because of the oil in he spark plug holes but i ran it untill it stopped and put new plugs in. I will check the grounds and get back.. But do you think it would sputter untill its warm because of the grounds? i would think that would make it sputter non stop? I will try it anyways..

Former User

Did you inspect the contact points? Any cracks or signs of damage?

When you turn the key from off to ON(II), does the CEL turn on and then off after 2 seconds? Does the CEL ever turn on while you are driving the car. If you haven't noticed, watch for it.

To learn about the CEL, click on the CEL sticky up top.

92hatch_12

All the contact points looked fine.

When i turn the key on to II position the check engine comes on for 1-2 seconds(same amount of time you hear the fuel pump turn on and off) then it turns off..I havent noticed it turnon while driving because my remote for the stereo is always there. so i will keep a look out for when im driving..

Former User

Did you install the same NGK spark plugs recommended in the owner's manual? Are they properly gapped?

You may also want to test the coil and igniter, and do a Seafoam treatment.

Have you compression tested the cylinders?

92hatch_12

No. I dont remember what plugs i threw in but it was doing it before and hasnt changed since i put them in. i have not check the coil or igniter or a compression check. what is a sea foam treatment? I pulled the distributer apart and it look ok except.. A lot of the wires in there are all cracked and split. I was thinking that could be it but why would it run rough when cold then run fine after its warm. it idles fine. has a high idle when cold but it was miss or the rpm wil drop and pick back up. it has never died. and if you drive it when its doing all this its pretty bad. if i take off and floor it it pop crackles and the car hops and sometime it clears up just long enough for it to start again but if i baby it sometimes it drives ok. but let me rimind you this all only lasts anywhere from 1 min to maybe 10 minutes?

Former User

^I would not ignore this. The ignition system causes the most problems for our Civics. Your distributor may have seen better days. It has a lifespan of about 150K miles and should be replaced at that time. If you decide (or are forced) to replace it, go OEM.

92hatch_12

Ok.. Im thinking thats what it is.. Its just weird that it only does it cold. I will look into getting a new one and let you know

92hatch_12

Got a used Distributor and it an great for 5 minutes and it took a crap b of course i didnt wait till it was totally cold so im cleaning some sensors to double check today.. if that doesnt work then i will probley buy a new dist. I'll keep you guys posted..

spiffy_civic

What u find out? Im having same issue..