Rep Power: 0

I have a 2001 Honda Civic coupe with a automatic transmission. This week, when I cranked it, it had a 10 second shudder after it had been cranked. In all cases, I am getting a "#3 misfire." After the 10 seconds, it lines out and runs like a champ. Here are my thoughts.

1. It is not the spark plug or wire because it runs well after 10 seconds. I changed those at about 85k miles.

2. I am wondering if I have a leaky head gasket near cylinder #3 and when I turn off the engine I am getting some water in the cylinder. I am guessing over time it might start overheating.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? If it is the gasket, does someone have a link to a DIY?

Thanks for the help in advance.

B

 
Rep Power: 811

i had the same problem and it was a small headgasket leak. when you turn the car off, coolant fills the cylinder a bit and the plug, causing the misfire next time you start it until the coolant burns away and it starts firing again. are you losing coolant from the reserve tank?

 
Rep Power: 0

Same problem in my '03 EX. Does it tend to misfire more ofter after you restart a warm (no longer hot) engine? Mine turned out to be the head gasket unfortunately. Coolant was also being forced out of the radiator then the overflow by the exhaust gases.... Expensive!