Hey guys!

Having some weird intermittent engine issues with my 1992 Civic DX hatchback- just hit 100,000 miles. It always starts up fine. The engine starts stuttering/jerking like it's about to die (occasionally it does) when I am in reverse or idling at a stoplight with my foot on the brake- at any temperature. It also occasionally happens while accelerating up hills. The engine seems to calm when idling in park but it still runs a little rough.


Timing belt and all belts were changed at 95k.

Starter replaced last year.

Spark plugs were cleaned but not replaced. All fluids seem fine.

Run fine most of the time, but seems to be getting worse.


Grateful for any help!

 

The first thing I would try is a tune up (new plugs, wires, rotor and distributor cap). And then I would also do a valve lash adjustment.

 

Clean the IACV.

 

What TomCat said. A set of new plugs is about $12, there's little reason to put old ones back in. The stock type copper plugs are supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles. People have had bad results with platinum plugs. Continue to use the stock NGK V-Power and replace periodically.

I would add clean the IACV to his list. Misfiring while pressing hard on the gas is not the IACV though.

A lot of spark problems are caused by bad spark wires. There's no certain way to tell they're not bad other than to try new ones. Find some NGK or OEM wires. The third-party brands from parts stores are generally lousy.

 

Thanks so much! I believe distributor cap was actually replaced recently. I will replace the plugs and see where it's at.
Also- just noticed a large crack in the bottom of the muffler that has rusted. Perhaps this could be a part of the problem?

 

Not likely, the scavenging back pressure is already created by the catalytic converter so an exhaust leak that far down in the system will not likely have that significant effect on how the car runs as much as it will have an effect on how the car sounds.

If the exhaust that far down had that significant of an effect the larger 2.5 inch and 3 inch cat back exhausts would cause significant running issues with the pass through fart cans, but they don't.