Prelude- mild splutter.

cantdecide

Any known common reasons why a '97 Prelude (75k) might have an engine splutter?? It's not there all the time, it's not that bad at all and it's mainly under acceleration regardless of whether it's hot or cold.

My sister just bought it and it's just had a new cat, which was shot, but I'd hoped it would sort the problem but it's no much better, really.

The car had been laid up for quite a while, btw.

HT leads and spark plugs might be where I would start.

Its possible the HT leads are worn and voltage is arcing between the leads under high load (ie acceleration).
Having the plugs for examination wouldn't hurt either.

cantdecide

Cheers mate. Checked plugs and they're like new.

Is there a way of checking the leads without just going and buying new ones? She's in College and really to the pin of her collar (despite the relatively flash car) and bruv has already footed the bill for the cat:p so you know what happens next!!!

If you can see them sometimes its possible to see the voltage arcing between the cables in the dark.

Pop the bonnet and get someone to rev the car hard.

VH

It's probably the distributor, specifically the coil which is built in. The Achilles heel with Hondas of that era.