I have a 97 Civic LX D16Y7 SOHC with 166k.

About one month ago I had a problem with some stuttering on acceleration a couple of minutes after starting the car. After that it ran great with no loss of acceleration. I replaced distributor cap, rotor, wires, plugs and air filter with no change. I finally replaced the fuel filter and the problem seemed solved.

Unfortunately, last week it started the same behavior again. The fuel pressure is normal during operation and with the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. The only thing I noticed is that the fuel pressure drops after I stop the engine. Within about 5 minutes it is down to almost zero. Could this be causing these symptoms? I imagine fuel pump replacement is the solution. What do you think? Thanks.

 

Is the CEL ON?

What are the fuel pressures with and without the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator connected?

The distributor housing, coil, and ICM usually should be replaced after about 150K miles. Therefore, you may want to have the coil and ICM tested at an auto parts store. This is generally a free service.

 

No CEL on. The fuel pressure was right in the middle of the normal range both with and without the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. Thanks for your input.

 

The fuel pump is fine. Look elsewhere.

In addition to the distributor, also check the ignition timing with a timing gun and consider doing a Seafoam treatment (see DIY section).

Has the timing belt been replaced?

 

Timing belt was replaced at 110K and I checked the timing when this all began. It was normal.