1995 Honda Civic Sputters When Driving

HONDA CIVIC
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TENKA187
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I own a 1995 Honda Civic 4-door sedan. 1.5 ltr engine w/ automatic transmission. Has over 100k mi. Needs new exhaust. Car starts but wants to die. Replaced spark plugs,plug wires and distributer cap. Helped for a short time but now car makes a BAD sputtering sound when I try to drive. Rust on the spark plugs and antifreeze drops on the engine but no visable leaks around seal from radiator hose.Please assist.[/b]
Mar 7, 2006 at 2:17 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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OK, do you have a check engine light on? I do know for a fact that the plug wires on a honda - civic or other wise are very picky and must be perfect to work. I own a fleet of Hondas and good plug wires are imperative. Replace them and that should resolve the sputtering that probably is worse at take off. The exhause is another issue. and there are ways to greatly reduce the cost of the repair.
Mar 9, 2006 at 5:31 AM
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TENKA187
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[quote:43a084c9ad="tenka187"]I own a 1995 Honda Civic 4-door sedan. 1.5 ltr engine w/ automatic transmission. Has over 100k mi. Needs new exhaust. Car starts but wants to die. Replaced spark plugs,plug wires and distributer cap. Helped for a short time but now car makes a BAD sputtering sound when I try to drive. Rust on the spark plugs and antifreeze drops on the engine but no visable leaks around seal from radiator hose.Please assist.[/b][/quote:43a084c9ad]

There's no check engine light on. Taking apart evrything now to check the wires. Could it be the rotor? And around how much will a new exhaust run me? Thanks.
Mar 16, 2006 at 3:06 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the spark plug wires with high-quality wires correct for the Civic. Honda plug wires are very sensitive and must be in perfect condition; this should resolve the sputtering, which is likely worse on takeoff. Treat the exhaust as a separate repair.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Honda Civic 1.5L automatic says the car starts but wants to die and sputters badly when driven. Spark plugs, plug wires, and the distributor cap were replaced with only short-term improvement. There is no check engine light. Rust was seen on the plugs and antifreeze drops on the engine, with no visible radiator-hose leak, and the exhaust also needs replacement. The expert says Honda plug wires must be perfect and recommends replacing them to stop the sputtering, especially on takeoff, while noting the exhaust is a separate cost issue.

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