Hesitation/Stuttering

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:20 pm

Hi folks,

Just had a bit of an incident that's got me worried. I just used my Accord to go to the shops (first drive of the day for the Accord) and got there no problem, engine was pulling strong as always. Anyway, parked up in the underground car park for Morrisons, and went and got a few bits. I was maybe 10-15 minutes, Came back out, fired the car up and left the car park. as I turned onto the exit ramp I had the clutch dipped in second gear and as I straightened out I let the clutch out and opened the throttle... Normally the Accord would climb the ramp no problem but today it hesitated and almost cut out. Anyway, I thought I misjudged the speed/revs or something and went into first and climbed the ramp ok. A couple of roads later and I was on a long straight, I opened the throttle in third this time and again the engine was hesitating and stuttering, it was really shaking the car around violently

anyway it was fine at lower revs so I took it easy on the few last roads to my house, albeit occasionally dipping the throttle to see if the engine was still running like a turd. It was slightly better by the time I got to my house but it was still not right

For what it's worth it's been pissing down here and the wind is mental, I'm about 20 seconds away from the shoreline and we're getting a battering at the moment. I'm jobby scared I've got water into the engine somehow, however I've not been through any puddles (I avoid them deliberately) and I've only had this problem since returning from the shops?! I had to boot it out onto a main road on the way to the shops and the car didn't miss a beat.

So, sorry for the wall of text, but has anyone got any ideas what might have happened here? Please put my mind to rest

I'm hoping that this could just be symptoms of a damp ignition system, and not something more serious

Cheers,
Josh

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:34 pm

I was just going to suggest coilpack?

...

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:38 pm

Can I test it at all?

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:41 pm

You can, but it sounds like it's temperamental. My thinking is it just might be on its way out. Did it feel/sound like it was just running on 3 or less cylinders?

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:49 pm

Hmm, it felt like it suddenly wasn't firing and the car sharply slowed down for a split second, then it resumed running. If you held the throttle open it just constantly did it. Can moisture effect the coil pack per chance?

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:55 pm

It shouldn't do as it's sealed (non-serviceable).

You can check to see if there's a spark coming from it as you would normally a spark plug. It could be the lead even... If it's got too cold at some point I guess.

CrunchyAdams82 · Post by **CrunchyAdams82** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:59 pm

Sounds like moisture in the ignition system somewhere. Has yours got a coil pack or dizzy?

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 6:05 pm

CrunchyAdams82 wrote:Sounds like moisture in the ignition system somewhere. Has yours got a coil pack or dizzy?

Do they not have both? My Golf does. Never had any reason to look for the coilpack on my Accord so can't say on that.

NafemanNathan wrote:It shouldn't do as it's sealed (non-serviceable).

You can check to see if there's a spark coming from it as you would normally a spark plug. It could be the lead even... If it's got too cold at some point I guess.

To be honest I've been really haphazard and not replaced any of the ignition system even though I know it's all at least 8 years old. I think it's time I replaced it all, I was just putting it off as it didn't seem urgent

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 6:12 pm

The coilpack on my 3rd gen just decided to stop working one day. I'd started the car, drove it back 2 metres or so to jack it up and work on it. Then two hours or so later when I went to start it to then go somewhere it just wouldn't start. Fortunately the knackered Aerodeck had the exact same one

I imagine so does your 2nd gen

It's a straight-forward plug and play swap to test it. Otherwise looking for a dodgy saturated connection somewhere might prove to be a bit of an ass, so at least it'll be ruled out.

CrunchyAdams82 · Post by **CrunchyAdams82** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 6:13 pm

Yeah, I just don't believe in coincidence. And for it to start happening as soon as the weather has got all monsoon related, must have some sort of connection. Or maybe not.

Coil pack is sealed, dizzy has a removable cap with a rotary arm inside.

I'd check around it all for any signs of water ingress. And the leads.

Otherwise, like you say, 8 years is a long time without a change.