Misfire Issues :(

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Ichigo1174

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1997 Honda Civic Ex, (the one I traded my CRX for :( )

Here is the problem, when driving (under moderate acceleration) it will then act like I let off of the gas (some times I hear this odd noise like detonation or something and it will make like a backfire pop from the intake).
Most of the time I will just have the performance loss and it will come back but it is annoying, destroying my fuel economy, and I worry it would lead to worse things.

The only thing I did to the car was put a short ram intake on it (I had it laying around with a re-washable K&N Filter and didn't feel like replacing the stock one.

I replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor button, fuel filter and I even readjusted the valves back to factory specs (they were really loose, it may have made a little improvement but it definitely made the engine quieter) ^_^

Questionable: When I took the old plugs out it took A LOT of alluminum with them from being cross threated badly (I hate the previous owner), i got the new ones in but I often worried maybe this could be a factor ( not enough compression). I'm paranoid that I'm going to take one out and the head will be to stripped out to put another back in.

I have received the cel codes 82 & 83 but they don't exist, I went to advance and they said "Random Misfire 1"
I have gotten the cel code 54 and checked it and it seemed to be fine, cleared the ECU (waiting for it to pop back up).

The only things I can think of is maybe the timing is off? Or maybe the injectors are weak/clogged (but that wouldn't explain how the power comes and goes would it) :confused:

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated, sorry for the long read.
 
yea im with dc4dude had similer problem when i first got my sol.. would missfire under certain throttle which was usually around my taking off part.. changed the coil and all was good from then on.
 
I say check the compression. See what that tells you. Then wait for the CEL. If it's a misfire on #1 again, switch the injectors between #1 and #2. I would also switch the plugs and wires around. I know you said they were new, but I recently had an issue that turned out to be a bad, brand new, wire. Clear the ECU, wait for the CEL again. See if it moves to #2.

A misfire can be a pain in the ass. Just check one thing at a time until you narrow down your options.
 
I say check the compression. See what that tells you. Then wait for the CEL. If it's a misfire on #1 again, switch the injectors between #1 and #2. I would also switch the plugs and wires around. I know you said they were new, but I recently had an issue that turned out to be a bad, brand new, wire. Clear the ECU, wait for the CEL again. See if it moves to #2.

A misfire can be a pain in the ass. Just check one thing at a time until you narrow down your options.


I will try switching the number 1 and 2 injectors and plug wires after the check engine light comes back on and go to advance to see exactly what it says. I was also told that a clogged catalytic converter could make you have a misfire and the random power loss.

ignition coil?
I may hit up a junk yard for a random interior part. I may see if I can pick up a ignition coil for cheap unless it would be better to pick up a new one.
 
I waited for the cell to pop on and went to advance. Cylinder 3 and Cylinder 4 were both misfiring. Also got P1300 and P1399, both are "Random cylinder misfire". Oh joy!

I took slush's advice and waiting until I got paid and ordered a replacement. Swapped it out and still the same crap. When accelerating it feels like a giant is tugging on my car or its stuck in sludge and at certain rpms its back to normal for a bit.

Well the cell finally popped back on so tomorrow I will see if they are the exact same codes.
Also I'm going to take a picture of the inside of the distributor cap looks right (even though it is fairly new). Maybe my paranoia is getting to me.

If it is the same codes I will try and swap the injector s (1-3),(2-4) and clear it again. If the same codes pop than maybe faulty plugs or wires? If the the codes follow the injector than I just need to replace the injectors.

Is this logical reasoning or am I going out of my mind?
 
Check for leaks in injector Orings. One of mine was cut and I had the exact same symptoms.
 
I waited for the cell to pop on and went to advance. Cylinder 3 and Cylinder 4 were both misfiring. Also got P1300 and P1399, both are "Random cylinder misfire". Oh joy!

I took slush's advice and waiting until I got paid and ordered a replacement. Swapped it out and still the same crap. When accelerating it feels like a giant is tugging on my car or its stuck in sludge and at certain rpms its back to normal for a bit.

Well the cell finally popped back on so tomorrow I will see if they are the exact same codes.
Also I'm going to take a picture of the inside of the distributor cap looks right (even though it is fairly new). Maybe my paranoia is getting to me.

If it is the same codes I will try and swap the injector s (1-3),(2-4) and clear it again. If the same codes pop than maybe faulty plugs or wires? If the the codes follow the injector than I just need to replace the injectors.

Is this logical reasoning or am I going out of my mind?
That's logical. Rule out the plugs, wires, injectors before you move anywhere else, but that the fact that it moved from #1 to #3 and #4, I don't think it's going to be that simple. I have a hunch, but it may be a crap shoot. When you take the distrubutor cap off, check to see if there is any play in the rotor. It shouldn't move at all.
 
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As before I was curious about the terminal posts on the inside of the distributor cap. Like I said the cap is only 1 maybe two months old.



As far as if it moves, it does rotate a little.
 
Do you have the screw holding the rotor on? Take the rotor off and take a picture of the metal insert that attaches to the distributor. I think my hunch may just be right.
 
I will either on sunday or monday when get home from drill. I have the screw holding it on. Will upload as soon as I can :)
 
Are you talking about this?



Sorry it took so long, been busy with work, Wisdom teeth removed, ugh... car is just annoying as hell. If this isn't suppose to spin at all, Do I have to replace the whole distributor?
 
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Not that. I guess you could call it the "inside" of the actual rotor. Not a part of the distributor.
 
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