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Car sputters when accelerating

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:22 am
by Flatland_EG
This seems to happen at random times, the car can run fine for a week at a time then all of sudden it'll start sputtering, sometime a little and sometimes really bad, like today. I can accelerate from an intersection just fine but it seems to start sputtering at around 20 mph and sometimes around 40 mph. I replaced the fuel filter about a month ago and it seemed to go away but it comes backs, as said, at random times. When the car starts to sputter and I give it some gas it pops, almost like it's hitting a rev limiter.
I have a couple of ideas as to what it might be but I don't just want to start throwing money, which I really don't have :), at it and hope I replace what's wrong.
Anybody have any ideas as to what the heck is going on? :?
I've got a D15B7 with an auto, if that matters.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give.

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:33 am
by Cl9junky
Have you checked your plugs, cap and rotor?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:43 am
by Clarkypoo
Fuel system?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:49 am
by Flatland_EG
I checked the plugs when this crap first started and they had a light tan color on the ceramic by the electrode, which if I remember correctly is good.
I've been meaning to get a new cap and rotor anyways, they're the originals and the car has roughly 160K on it.

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:50 am
by Cl9junky
EGg OH! wrote:I checked the plugs when this crap first started and they had a light tan color on the ceramic by the electrode, which if I remember correctly is good.
I've been meaning to get a new cap and rotor anyways, they're the originals and the car has roughly 160K on it.


Yea at the mileage might be time for a new cap and rotor. Dont cost nothing to check though.

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:53 am
by Flatland_EG
Clarkypoo wrote:Fuel system?


I've thought about that. Perhaps the pump or the sending unit.
I know some cars when the fuel get to low you can't go over a certain speed, I was thinking maybe a sensor might be going out causing the car to think it's low on fuel. Then again I don't even know if EG's have anything like that.

It wouldn't be anything like the TPS would it?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 3:32 am
by 1995db7
check you spark plug cables also,i recently had a similar issue and it was the cables

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 1:33 am
by Flatland_EG
BUMP!

Bought a new dizzy cap and rotor, it needed these anyways after inspecting the old ones, and problem was still there. I took it out on the highway and I got that sulfur rotten egg smell, I thought the cat might be plugged, so I took the exhaust off and gutted the SOB and know I got louder exhaust but the problem is STILL there. I checked the MAP and TPS sensors by unplugging them and running the car which in both instances the CEL came on when unplugged and went out after they were plugged back in so I'm guessing those are good. I decided to check my plugs again and when I pulled the boot off the farthest right(facing the car) and the metal connector came off the wire at the crimp. I put it back on and crimped it down good and put it back on and took it for a test drive and there was no difference, the car still bogs down at around 20 MPH. The wires might be shot, I plan to get a new set fairly soon and then we'll see if that's it.
I'm getting pissed because I keep finding things that could be the cause of the problem but nothing has remedied it yet. :cry:

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:28 am
by jdmjunkies
your "plugs" might be good but check your wires that's what usually goes bad..

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:17 am
by Flatland_EG
Yeah, I think I might have to hit up O'reilly's tomorrow. :thumb:

If that still doesn't solve it then. :x

PostPosted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:52 pm
by Flatland_EG
Bump!!!

Footnotes of what I've done so far.

Car bogs down badly, usually around 20 and 40 MPH.
New fuel filter.
Checked CAT, ended up gutting it.
New dizzy cap.
New Rotor.
New plug wires.
New plugs, NGK G-Power.
The problem still persists. The car does run a lot smoother at idle than it did before though. :)

I'm still pretty damn pissed though :x, I've got a 150 mile drive coming up for Thanksgiving and I'd like this fixed before I go.

I've been reading this thread for ideas, it sounds like the exact same problem I'm having.
http://civic-eg.com/viewtopic.php?t=17291&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30
I hope it's not a fuel problem because I'm broke as a joke right now. :cry:
The funny thing is, is that the kid that had the car before me had the head gasket replaced as well. You think there's any possible connection with this problem and the head gasket? I'm guessing not but you never know.

PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 2:41 am
by MG6
fuel injectors acting up?

PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 2:52 am
by ghskid06
Im confused as to how it only happens at a mph range and not an rpm range...

If it is an rpm range after all, i would think fuel...if it is 20-40 mph reguardelss of rpm..that is definitely sensor or possible computer issue i would think.

PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 3:00 am
by Flatland_EG
I've ran Seafoam through it a couple times, the last time was just the other day.
I also checked a couple other things that were mentioned in the other thread I listed as well.
The fuel relay seems good, when I turn on the ignition it clicks and you can here the pump run for a few seconds.
I also checked the PCV valve, it was all covered with black gunk so I cleaned it in the parts washer and now the valve/ball/whatever inside moves freely. :)

It would seem the only thing left to check would be the fuel pump, which as I said earlier, is going to have to wait till I can get some moolah.

Any chance that the ECU went to, or is in the process of, going to crap?

I would love to do an engine swap but, well, you know.

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 3:11 am
by ghskid06
well...the fuel pump wouldnt just act up at certain speeds. And neither would anything else by itself. So like i said, and someone correct me if im wrong but i think that just leaves you with ecu or a sensor somewhere.