Stutter and hesitation

ANNAMLANCE

MEMBER
2008 HONDA FIT
4 CYL
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

I have a the car listed above Sport model five speed. This car until recently has ran like a dream. It originally started to stutter randomly sometimes when in idle but some of the time at higher highway speeds. I will try to gas it at higher speeds and it stutters and then starts to gain speed.

I have no code thrown and the no oil leaks. The only thing that worries me is after the car is cut off I can hear a faint whistle noise coming from the bay. It doesn’t sound like a boiling noise as it doesn’t have to get hot to do it.

This all leads me to believe it’s something to do with one of a couple things. A vacuum leak? A bad ignition coil pack? Or spark plugs? But I’ve read horror stories that have me thinking head gasket but that seems far too major. Help please!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to right turn signal or brake to light up

I have a feeling it may be a vacuum issue that you hear. I am going to provide a link that shows how to find an engine vacuum leak. Do that and let me know the results. Also, I will provide a link that explains how to check for a bad head gasket.

Take a look through both of these and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Just a last thought. If it makes the sound each time you turn the engine off, try having a helper listen under the hood when you turn the engine off to see if he / she can tell where it is coming from. If the noise continues for a few seconds when the engine is off, remove the oil fill cap to see if it goes away.

Do these things and let me know what you find.

Take care and Happy Easter,

Joe

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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 8:00 PM

ANNAMLANCE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you. So there is no coolant in oil and the radiator is full with no gunk.
I turned the car off and listened for noise can’t really tell where exactly it’s coming from but when removing the oil cap the noise does not stop. I smell slight gas coming from my tail pipe back end but none around engine bay or cabin. The car doesn’t have an exact stutter so it’s hard to pin point.
The only other thing I did recently is change my battery and I’ve had three tests stating it’s not alternator. But even after replacing battery the car still dims lights and kind of shutters in idle more prominently when under load of ac being on.

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Saturday, April 20th, 2019 AT 2:31 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

The lights dimming may be the result of a low idle. How many RPM are shown when you notice the dimming?

The idea that there is a vacuum leak could be causing a low idle. So pay attention to that and let me know the RPM's when that happens.

If you follow the link I posted in the first thread, it will help you find a vacuum leak. Also, I want you to specifically check the PCV valve hose and valve.

Here are directions for checking the PCV. They are very simple. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

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COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
PCV Valve Inspection

1. Check the PCV valve (A), hoses (B), and connections for leaks or restrictions.

Pic 1

2. At idle, make sure there is a clicking sound from the PCV valve when the hose between the PCV valve and intake manifold is lightly pinched (A) with your fingers or pliers.

If there is no clicking sound, check the PCV valve washer for cracks or damage. If the washer is OK, replace the PCV valve and recheck.

Pic 2

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If you find there is a restriction and the hose is not kinked or plugged, here are the directions for replacing the PCV valve.

PCV Valve Replacement

1. Remove the intake manifold.
2. Disconnect the PCV hose (A).

Pic 3

3. Remove the PCV valve (B).
4. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal with a new washer (C).

_____________________________________

Let me know what you find. Remember, a low idle can cause the lights to dim and a vacuum leak can cause the low idle. Therefore, I have a feeling the two are connected.

Take care and Happy Easter,

Joe

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