PDA

View Full Version : 89 Civic sputtering/stalling and irratic idle


rstephenson
Oct 22, 2008, 06:28 AM
Hey guys, I still haven't been able to correct my idle up and down problem on my 89 Civic LX, but now have a much bigger problem. After the car is driven 15-20 miles, it will sputter for a few seconds then run normally again for a little while then sputter again. Last night on my way home it got much worse. I have a 46 mile commute and after about 20 miles it started sputtering and did so on and off all the way home. Luckily I made it to my driveway, put the ebrake on and a few seconds later it stalled out. It would not restart. This morning it cranked right up but I afraid to drive it as I don't want to be stranded. Here's a list of what I have done so far:

-ignition switch was replaced in 05
-main relay and fuel pump replaced in 05
-fuel filter September 07
-coil and igniter last week
-new ngk plugs, denso plug wires, and fram air filter Sunday

If anyone can help I would appreciate it. I don't want to give up on this car,it was purchased new by a family member and currently has 371,588 miles on it. It returns 38-39 miles per gallon and burns no oil. Could irratic idle problem and this sputtering/stalling be related? Help.

Thanks

TxGreaseMonkey
Oct 22, 2008, 06:36 AM
Replace the Ignition Control Module and coil.

rstephenson
Oct 22, 2008, 06:40 AM
Thanks TX, but I did that last week.

TxGreaseMonkey
Oct 22, 2008, 06:50 AM
Sorry, I missed that. Have you checked each cylinder's compression?

rstephenson
Oct 22, 2008, 07:08 AM
No not yet. The thing is that the engine runs perfectly until 12-20 miles into my commute, (well except for the irratic idle) could it be the distibutor cap? I haven't replaced that yet.

TxGreaseMonkey
Oct 22, 2008, 08:00 AM
Yes, I would replace the distributor cap and rotor. I would also clean the Idle Air Control Valve and throttle body (including upper and lower ports).