Ok, lets see if I can describe the problem well enough...
First, I've got a 94 civic... Love it. Generally very reliable.
I don't drive it very much, and it has about 107K miles on it.
Out of the blue, two days ago it started to "stutter" or "not respond" a little.
It seems like when I try to accelerate (especiallly on the freeway) it doesn't really respond right away, or it "stutters" a bit in responding. But also sometimes on the street, after I shift and accelerate, it will stutter a little before accelerating...
I'm not sure if it is a clutch issue or a fuel issue... if that makes sense.
What else can I add or check to diagnose the problem?
I can provide more information if it helps...
Thanks!

 

Sputtering when you press on the gas hard is usually weak sparks. Start by replacing the spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, and possibly the spark plug wires (wires are kind of expensive compared to the other parts). It could also be starving for fuel because the fuel filter is clogged up.

If the engine revs up but the car doesn't really go any faster, the clutch is worn out. You may smell a burnt smell from under the hood after doing that a couple of times.

 

hi mk378,
Thanks for your input on my "cfueltchR" (fuel system oR clutch) problem... based on what you said I'm leaning toward it being a fuel problem. I've got to take it out again, and then better describe the problem. I could change the plug, though I suppose I'd have to gap them first, and I'm not sure if I have a feeler gauge set... I just want to know what it is so that if I take it to a mechanic, he doesn't say, "ah, must be this $1,000 thingy-do-hicky, and I'll go ahead and change it and take your money..." Anyway, thanks again, and I'll be back.

 

UPDATE:
I took my car out for a drive again, but not very far (don't want to get stuck). I did both city street and a little bit of freeway. If I don't accelerate hard, all is ok. But when I punch it, sometimes it runs up fine (all the way to red line), but other times, as it is running up in rpms, it will do several little "lurches" or shudders.... Reminds me a little bit of being in too low of a gear and punching it, and the car shudders a bit until one downshifts. Does this make it clearer (little lurches under full acceleration)? I'm leaning toward a fuel problem?

 

it could be bad spark, have you inspected your spark plugs (check gap)
and look inside your distributor cap and rotor.
what does your car idle at?
have you checked the ignition timing with a timing light?

 

That really sounds like bad spark. How old are your plugs, cap, wires, etc?

 

The car has 107k on it and doesn't get driven very much. The spark plugs were replaced at 93k during the 90k maintenance. I'm guessing the distributor and wires have never been replaced...
I'm not a mechanic and don't have a timing gun. But I could probably change the plugs. I think new plugs come already gapped, right? Are we pretty sure its a spark plug. Can the engine run smooth and fine, but then lurch when accelerating under a load if a plug is bad?

BTW, thanks for all the input!

update: well, the problem went away on its own, and I forgot about it. I love when that happens!
But now it's back, and man is it back! Looks like I need to find a solution this time.

PS. check out what I'm working on at http://www.tradeshowdisplaysguide.com
It isn't about cars specifically, but is more about shows, trade shows, and trade show displays, but they use displays at car shows, so in a way it is. Anyway, check it out! And I'll start working on my civic again. Ughhh!

 

the plugs come gap'd but sometimes they arent correct, the part store sells gapper's for $.99 its always best to check them before u install them