Completely Random Stutters

[93RS]

My laser started stuttering the other day... When I'm driving it loses a little power for a couple seconds then it goes away. Other times it will do the same thing and the CEL will come on then a couple seconds later the stuttering and dummy light are gone.... It has new plugs just the standard ngk plugs gapped at .032, a new fuel filter, and the plug wires look brand new. She does have 206,000 on the clock so keep that in mind. VFAQ says plugs, wires, coil, and transister pack should be checked. I don't know what the transitor pack is and I'm not sure where the coil is... I do know the coil is expensive so I hope its not it ... Thanks for your help guys

 

[olddsmer]

If you are getting a code the CEL light will come on. You may look at your MAF sensor. Follow your plug wires back and they will lead to your coil pak. The transistor pak is below the coil pack. It delivers the signal to your coil pak to fire up the plugs.
If the problem is igntion, it is most likely your coil pak on a car with that many miles.


Regards
Greg

 

[93RS]

The CEL doesn't always come on its just as intermitten as the stuttering itself. Is there a secret to getting the coil out??? It looks like a clusterf**k to get to. The coil is like $130 at my local auto parts store. Any cheaper aftermarket alternative.

 

[miguelmcv]

If you are paying that amount of money for the Coils, Then, You should get the Coil on Plug and have a cleaner look....

 

[rEclipserGST]

Why are your plugs gapped at .032 when factory gap is .028?

 

[93RS]

That's what advance auto parts said the plugs were supposed to be gapped at..... Not familiar with the coil on plug setup. Any links or info on that would be great.

 

[rEclipserGST]

That's what advance auto parts said the plugs were supposed to be gapped at..... Not familiar with the coil on plug setup. Any links or info on that would be great.

Oh, well that's your first problem. 98% of the time, the local auto parts stores have no idea what they are talking about. It is up to you to know, this forum will help you.

Factory gap is .028

Some have experienced misfire or "spark-blow out" so they lessen the gap, in the ranges of .017 up to .025 is popular I feel. At least that I have seen people use when trouble shooting. Try a smaller gap. That is the cheapest start out solution.

 

[93RS]

Is .04 gap going to cause random loss of power... Just in my train of thought if it was spark plug gap it would be a lot more consistent. I'm not able to recreate what happens it is totally random. I don't plan on doing anything really with this car. It's my dd that's gonna have intake and exhaust.... Maybe some suspension but that's it. Is coil on plug setup worth it??? How much does it cost roughly??? Is there anyway to test the coil to see if that's the issue?

 

[gofer]

Factory spec for spark plug gap is .028 - .032", tightening the gap probably won't fix it. Going to a COP setup will give you a bigger headache than its worth and, if all you plan on doing is intake and exhaust, you'll NEVER see the limits of the stock ignition system.

From the symptoms you're seeing I wouldn't be surprised if its a failing CAS (cam angle sensor), problem is that it might be tough testing it since its intermittent. Read through this thread, Testing A 1g CAS, and see if you don't find something wrong with it and while you're in there make sure the wires are in good shape. Test the coils ( Coil Test) and test the power transistor (IPT Test) and if they both check out try to source another 1g CAS from a local DSM buddy or junkyard that you can install and see if the "intermittent" issue disappears.

 

[93RS]

I think I'm going to leave the CAS test for last seems like a pita. As far as the coil goes is there a secret to getting it out it seems like its about impossible to get out. I'll read thru the other two links in the morning and hopefully get some or all of the work done tom night before new years....

 

[93RS]

Well I never did get around to any of the eclectrical test.... appearently multimeters are more expensive then i thought.... I did however get a BLT done and my TB shaft seals are out.... Which by my research should fix my problems... Thanks for the help guys