Hey all. I have a couple problems I’m hoping you guys can help me with. First off my engine is sputtering. It’s not enough to be a hassle but enough to be felt during idle and under acceleration. Now I changed the plugs in it when I first got it not that long ago and there were a couple that were wet with oil. The car ran fine so I didn’t bother with it. A few days ago I noticed the sputtering. To me I would think that if the plugs were wet with oil, the car would smoke. Yet it never has. Now also in the same time frame my transmission started slipping, but only going into fourth gear. I checked the fluid, added some. Maybe a lil too much even. Over the next couple days out progressed to the point that fourth didn’t even catch, it just whines. Now when I drive the slip isn’t nearly as bad, when I first start the car, but when it heats up won’t even engage the gear. All in the same time I lose reverse. Same scenario, works when fluid is cold, won’t when warm. Is all this connected somehow or just a coincidence? any help would be just great.
Going to need a few more bits of info in order to give you a better response…Is the engine a B18A1? Also what year and how many miles does it have. And the tranny, is it automatic or manual?
Ng
It is the B18A1. Around 133xxx. Automatic.
The sputtering seems to be getting worse day by day. Also the trans seems to be starting to slip going into 2nd now. Any help would be great. This is my sole means of transportation and am hoping you guys can point me in the right direction of getting it fixed in a cheap and timely manner.
The clutch packs in your automatic transmission are wearing out. No other fix than to rebuild or find an auto tranny in better shape. Anything else is delaying the inevitable… Or do what I did and go for the manual swap. I replaced two automatic Integra trannys. Same symptoms, same problem, same fix. Finding a used one in good shape will be rather difficult. The slipping is just going to get worst as the clutch packs continue to wear out.
For an engine with that amount of miles I would start off with a compression check. That is a good start and will give you an idea of what kind of shape your engine is in and if it’s worth pouring money into it.
Ng
My suggestion would be finding a b18 engine/trans combo, they are pretty cheap anymore, from a company like hmotors, or that jdmtigerjapanese website (I can’t remember it but google, huuuuuge selection of jdm motors) 133xxx miles isn’t that much on athe 90/91 teg so like said above, do some compression or leakdown tests to see if you even want that motor anymore.
Sounds like either way you’ll have some downtime on the car… but the results (if done properly) will be much better!
What numbers should I be looking for in the compression test?
This should answer most of your questions. http://www.team-integra.net/forum/blogs/vitamin_d/296-compression-testing-101-faq-how.html
According to this article, good compression numbers for a b18b (same as your b18a basically) are no more than 199psi per cylinder, and no lower than 135psi. Hope this helps!
Is a compression test something I can do in my garage? Can I get a testing kit? Or do I have to take it to a shop? All your help is greatly appreciated.
Yes it is something you can do in your garage. Check out the many write-ups and you tube videos on the internet that take you step by step on how to do a compression test.
First go to your local auto parts store and pick up a compression test guage for around $13:
http://www.harborfreight.com/flex-drive-compression-tester-92697.html
You will need to pull ALL your spark plugs and find a way to keep your throttle open at WOT. Also your E-brake needs to be on and car in neutral. For WOT, I jam a screwdriver on the throttle cable mechanism on the throttle body. A nice tool to pick up, and it’s cheap, is a remote starter switch. I bought one cheap ($13) at harbor freight. It makes a two man job possible with just one, click the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-remote-starter-switch-35448.html