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Old 05 Mar 2008, 08:01 pm
honda guy honda guy is offline
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the first thing to check is the inside of the distributor cap to see if there is any evidence of cracks or spark arcing. The odds are there isn't because cylinders 1& 4 are opposite each other on the cap but I'd recommend checking it first.the most probable cause of your problem is an ignition coil that is breaking down. It takes time for the coil to regenerate between each time the primary circuit is opened to fire the spark plugs. It sound like your coil isn't recharging fast enough to fire every time so its only firing the plugs every-other time.A failing ignition coil would be most evident under heavy engine load. You say you can rev it in park and that's a no load situcation. the coil break down would also cause the misfire and shaking.ignition coils are very common on older hondas. they're relatively cheap and its the first thing I'd recommend changing.if you're certain you are losing spark then I would rule out the catalytic converter. Your description is symptomatic of a bad catalytic converter but that would have no effect on the ignition system.go with the coil.hope that helps
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