TEMPORARY FIX - Engine stutter/judder when accelerating.

4705 Views 55 Replies 9 Participants Last post by fllewellyn, 3 mo ago

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

TL;DR
Issue:
Engine sometimes sutterting/juddering when accelerating (no discernible pattern) in my 2007 1.4 DSI Civic (FK1).

Steps already taken:

Removed and cleaned EGR valve, and it's port on the engine block.
Checked front set of spark plugs and coil packs.

Any help / advice would be appreciated.

The Long Story
Hi there. About 2 months ago, I purchased my first car, a 2007 1.4 DSI Honda Civic (Was looking at an EP3 style but unfortunately couldn't find any decent ones in my price range). It has a pretty mint MOT History for the price (£2,250) and has been serviced at yearly intervals by one previous owner, with the most recent service being at 102k miles. I purchased the car at 103k. After test driving it, I couldn't see any issues so I bought it.

On the drive back from purchasing the car, it stuttered slightly when going down the dual carriageway. Unfortunately this issue didn't occur during the test drive.

As time's gone on, I've noticed this stutter more frequently, especially when accelerating quickly onto a roundabout, or getting up to speed on a slip road. After researching the issue, I found that someone had a similar problem with a 1.4 DSI Jazz of the same age. They recommended cleaning out the EGR valve, as it can get gummed up over time.

Yesterday I took out the EGR valve out, cleaned it out with some GT85 and some rags (ensuring to pull the pin out and clean underneath), then cleaned the port for it, put it all back together and took it round the block. It seemed to be fine, but earlier today, I took it out for some errands and it stuttered again when accelerating onto a roundabout.

I've checked the front 4 spark plugs and all seem to be virtually new. I've checked the coil packs at the same time and they are all clean from oil and any other materials. I haven't been able to check the rear spark plugs (second set due to DSI engine), as to access them it looks as if I have to remove the scuttle tray which I haven't had time for, although I feel that if it was caused by a misfire / malfunctioning spark plug or coil pack, it would be more frequent instead of random or it would show a warning light on the dash.

I was wondering if anyone had any other advice or thoughts on this matter, as I'm concerned that this could be dangerous if it gets more frequent.

If any more info is required then I'll happily let you know.

Thanks for the help

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Wilmo

· #2 · 7 mo ago

at that mileage I bet the fuel filter has never been changed Genuine Honda Civic 1.4 & 1.8 Petrol Fuel Filter 2006-2011
It is the same as the other petrol 8G being under the centre arm rest console.
There is a YT video for the FN2 TypeR that is worth watching as this is a DIY job if you feel up to it.

first you could try putting some injector cleaner like BG44 through it to see if it just a build up of gum in the fuel system

Reactions: 2

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #3 · 7 mo ago

Wilmo said:
at that mileage I bet the fuel filter has never been changed Genuine Honda Civic 1.4 & 1.8 Petrol Fuel Filter 2006-2011
It is the same as the other petrol 8G being under the centre arm rest console.
There is a YT video for the FN2 TypeR that is worth watching as this is a DIY job if you feel up to it.

first you could try putting some injector cleaner like BG44 through it to see if it just a build up of gum in the fuel system

That's a good shout. Looked at the video guide and it all seems doable, although I need to work out what I'll use as a tool for the filter ring cap. I'll try it and report back. The only other thing is that it's like the engine cuts out for a fraction of a second, almost like it's stalling.

Need to go and by myself a fuel siphon, a container and a fuel filter 😁.

Wilmo

· #4 · 7 mo ago

There are tools on Amazon I believe to get that ring on/off I had one made up.
I think @Das used a large screwdriver and hammer but the manual says tighten to 93Nm IIRC

Reactions: 2

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #5 · 7 mo ago

Wilmo said:
There are tools on Amazon I believe to get that ring on/off I had one made up.
I think @Das used a large screwdriver and hammer but the manual says tighten to 93Nm IIRC

Saves me a bit of money then. 😁

I was just wondering if there's anything I can do try and minimise the amount of fuel that leaks out, as I don't fancy my interior smelling of petrol for weeks 😕. I've seen on here that some people recommend leaving the car completely off for 24 hours first, and doing it on a nearly empty fuel tank. Is there anything I'm missing?

Wilmo

· #6 · 7 mo ago

best to do it when the tank is under 1/4 full.
there might be some spillage as the filter cartridge will have some fuel in it since it goes to the bottom of the tank.
just be careful when you lift it out and you should be okay, something like old towels around the area will catch it.

Reactions: 1

Das

· #7 · 7 mo ago

Wilmo said:
There are tools on Amazon I believe to get that ring on/off I had one made up.
I think @Das used a large screwdriver and hammer but the manual says tighten to 93Nm IIRC

Yea just a large flat head screwdriver and a hammer worked for me.

Reactions: 1

peter_voly

· #8 · 7 mo ago

Hi, just wanted to say I also have a 2007 1.4 dsi Civic with the same exact problem.. also cleaned the EGR valve and checked the spark plugs. The issue still remains and it got to a point where the engine is stuttering quite often, especially when accelerating up a hill, or just after a shift to a different gear.. Right now im quite desperate as to what to do so please if you make some progress dont forget to give an update

Reactions: 1

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #9 · 7 mo ago

peter_voly said:
Hi, just wanted to say I also have a 2007 1.4 dsi Civic with the same exact problem.. also cleaned the EGR valve and checked the spark plugs. The issue still remains and it got to a point where the engine is stuttering quite often, especially when accelerating up a hill, or just after a shift to a different gear.. Right now im quite desperate as to what to do so please if you make some progress dont forget to give an update

Nah no worries man, 100% will report my findings. Should have a chance to fit the new fuel filter either tomorrow or Sunday.

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #10 · 7 mo ago

peter_voly said:
Hi, just wanted to say I also have a 2007 1.4 dsi Civic with the same exact problem.. also cleaned the EGR valve and checked the spark plugs. The issue still remains and it got to a point where the engine is stuttering quite often, especially when accelerating up a hill, or just after a shift to a different gear.. Right now im quite desperate as to what to do so please if you make some progress dont forget to give an update

Hey man, really sorry. My fuel filter didn't arrive till Monday, so still no chance to fit it. Luckily I have next week off of work, so I'll be able to fit it them. I promise I'll update you asap.

peter_voly

· #11 · 7 mo ago

fllewellyn said:
Hey man, really sorry. My fuel filter didn't arrive till Monday, so still no chance to fit it. Luckily I have next week off of work, so I'll be able to fit it them. I promise I'll update you asap.

Sure bro, all good, thanks for info

Reactions: 1

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #12 · 6 mo ago

Fitted the new filter today, although unfortunately the car won't start, so I'll tackle that tomorrow when it's less wet and a bit brighter. In the mean time, if anyone has any tips for getting my car to start please feel more than welcome to let me know 😁.

Tip for the fuel filter change however; When trying to put the filter back in, I had to lube the seal ring with silicone lube and push it into the hole before I put the ring cap on, feeding the flange into the hole, otherwise it wouldn't compress enough for the ring cap to bite the threads.

Will update @peter_voly asap

scaramanga

· #13 · 6 mo ago

if youve been banging about try the fuel inertia switch on drivers side of dash
if cars turning over ok but not firring thats a good place to start
you have connected wires back for fuel pump im guessing

Reactions: 1

peter_voly

· #14 · 6 mo ago

fllewellyn said:
Fitted the new filter today, although unfortunately the car won't start, so I'll tackle that tomorrow when it's less wet and a bit brighter. In the mean time, if anyone has any tips for getting my car to start please feel more than welcome to let me know 😁.

Tip for the fuel filter change however; When trying to put the filter back in, I had to lube the seal ring with silicone lube and push it into the hole before I put the ring cap on, feeding the flange into the hole, otherwise it wouldn't compress enough for the ring cap to bite the threads.

Will update @peter_voly asap

sheesh bro good luck

Reactions: 1

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #15 · 6 mo ago

scaramanga said:
if youve been banging about try the fuel inertia switch on drivers side of dash
if cars turning over ok but not firring thats a good place to start
you have connected wires back for fuel pump im guessing

Yep connected all the wires and reset the fuel inertia switch. I couldn't hear or feel a discernable click when I pressed it, but I assume it's worked.

When I turn the ignition on, I can hear a whir coming from the fuel pump for 1-2 seconds before it goes silent again. This noise is definitely coming from the fuel pump as it's no longer present when I remove the plug on the top.

I keep turning on the ignition and then turning it off again to try and cycle fuel into the system, but the car still doesn't want to start. All the electric components seem to be working, as the float switch works as well.

I'll keep trying, but if anyone has any more tips please let me know. 😁

Wilmo

· #16 · 6 mo ago

how tight did you get the locking ring?
I think the manual says 93Nm.
Maybe there is an air leak?

Reactions: 1

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #17 · 6 mo ago

Wilmo said:
how tight did you get the locking ring?
I think the manual says 93Nm.
Maybe there is an air leak?

I've used the hammer and chisel to put the ring back on. There was a bit of play in it so I tightened it some more until the filter was moving with the ring.

I quickly removed the middle ring (pictured below) and there was some air pressure in there, so I don't think it's an air leak issue. The car still won't start, so I'm going to disconnect the fuel line in the engine bay and see if any fuel is actually coming through.

Motor vehicle Automotive fuel system Electrical wiring Hood Automotive exterior

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Wilmo

· #18 · 6 mo ago

OK
can't see from the picture but there is an arrow on the filter that lines up with an arrow on the bodywork, I assume they are aligned?
don't want to insult your ability but did you attach the 2 rubber pipes to the correct nipple? I found that as I was tightening the locking ring they moved round, but I was using a big legged puller type tool.

Reactions: 1

fllewellyn

Discussion Starter · #19 · 6 mo ago

Wilmo said:
OK
can't see from the picture but there is an arrow on the filter that lines up with an arrow on the bodywork, I assume they are aligned?
don't want to insult your ability but did you attach the 2 rubber pipes to the correct nipple? I found that as I was tightening the locking ring they moved round, but I was using a big legged puller type tool.

Don't worry about insulting my ability, I've clearly done something wrong 😁.

The filter is aligned and the hoses are definitely correct. I'll update you on the engine fuel line

Reactions: 1

scaramanga

· #20 · 6 mo ago

might sound daft but remove the fuel filler cap and try again just incase its airlocked somehow
sounds like your pump is triggering might just need primed if it ran dry while changing
does the car sound like its trying to start or just turns over

Reactions: 1

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