Low RPM "miss" and ignition coil life span? 97 Honda Civic CX
 

Hi, I have a 97 CX with 185K miles. When the engine is under load and
at low rpm, like starting up a hill with AC on and maybe having to
upshift, the engine "misses" for a split second. It seems like the
fuel or spark is cut for an instant. If I downshift and rev up, the
engine runs normally. Definitely happens when I lug the engine, which
I try not to do in general. This seems to happen once per
acceleration in the lower rev range but I can avoid it if I rev up the
engine prior to starting out. I know this a vague description but I
thought I would throw it out there...

I replaced the fuel filter a few months ago and it had literally had a
few spoonfuls of a tan, cookie-like substance, very crumbly. I had
previously changed that fuel filter about 30K miles ago, so it wasn't
that old. Also, as a rule I do try to hit the newer gas stations
but...??

I also cleaned the probably original PCV valve a few months ago but I
will go ahead and replace it.

I will give the car a full tune-up with distro cap, plugs, wires, PCV,
etc, and see what happens...


Also, I am curious if anyone has an estimated life span of a ignition
coil for a 97 Honda? . I replaced the O2 sensor at 150K, not because
of any noticable CEL problem but the gas mileage seemed low, I am
wondering if replacing the coil would make a good "matter of course"
replacement along the same lines.

Any thoughts on the above stuff is appreciated, if you are still
reading at this point!! Tim