Gel

I can't ever remember double de-clutching helping much with up changes.....but it should help ? with guidance you've been very logical in your approach thus far so you must now start doubting the clutch......if you had said you hear "screeching" as opposed to "scraping" guessing would be easier.

I dislike diesel cars but I got to tell you....they're can be brilliant "drivers" cars.........keeping 'em on song for fast twisty roads is actually an art form......once you identify your power band it'll be fun from there on because of all the necessary gear changing....get the rpm or gear wrong though.....and you end up with no oomph what so ever......if that ain't exciting I'll eat my hat

If you're satisfied with the checks you've carried out so far.....it may be time to start suspecting the clutch assembly ( a pressure plate breaking up would fit your intermittent symptoms quite well)......fingers crossed it isn't your gearbox

I used to use a Firm called DTUK : http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/box-details.php?id=1 The boss man Andrew is an A1 guy and his staff are always available to guide you if you run into problems. BTW don't be afraid to ask for trade discount. I once fitted a DTUK tuning box to a span new Ford Focus 1.8Tdci that suffered badly from low rpm fuel starvation.....(I had to ride the clutch to prevent the engine cutting out)....anyway, once I fitted the box of tricks.....the annoying flat spot disappeared. I wasn't really after a power gain but the 30% power hike did put a smile on my face . Good luck whatever you decide

Both the cars weaknesses have been addressed (clutch and timing chain).....so you could consider chipping the engine to 180 bhp without breaking the Bank .....you tempted ?

Tidy well specced motor.....enjoy

Fingers crossed for you mate

How wrong was I to post the car as a possible bargain !

Wow ! the damaged Civic commanded £2,200 apx.

Excellent motor for someone that's handy with bodywork I'm perfectly happy with my basic MB2 but I do like the spaceship look of the newer Civic. Category C would put me off but a category D write off wouldn't : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/90106/cat-d-and-cat-c-cars-insurance-write-offs-explained Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

It's category D so no VIC necessary : http://www.motorjunction.com/Easysalvage/APViewItem.asp?ID=97818 If it was a manual or regular auto I'd be very interested......it's semi auto....yuk Cheap as chips ? I expect it'll sell for circa £700 ?

Nope....it's best to allow the car to idle for 10 minutes or so with all electrics switched off......then shut your engine down....once you re-start your engine and drive about in ECU learning mode.....that's the time to switch your A/C on.

I'd also recommend an ECU reset as a starting point.

If you're lucky your rattling (Pinking) may be down to over advanced timing ?.....could also be caused by low octane fuel... or your engine may need a cylinder head de-coke. Retarding the ignition timing may get rid of the engine clattering ?.....good luck

I'd advise you to re-check for vacuum leaks and to remove the manifold heat shield to ensure there isn't a hairline crack close to where the O2 sensor is sited.....such fractures can easily be missed. Fingers crossed for ya mate

Doesn't get much better than that Dexter

Good to hear your engine is now running as it should

WTG

Typical high tension symptoms .....can't say I blame you for leaving a leading culprit till last (coil) but I'd still direct you to basic checks e.g. the timing check Tom mentioned and a compression test to rule out head gasket failure etc

If your spare battery takes and retains the charge.....you're in business

Me thinks you're dealing with two duff batteries ?

A compression test could well identify a leaky exhaust valve ? Let us know how you go.

Hi Jon, you said the car is A1 bar the intermittent fault so it's time to have the car fixed by a good mechanic......doing nothing isn't really an option because there's every possibility it'll break down whilst being tested by a punter. Good luck

Nice one Marv

Sorry to learn you're cars were injured Andy Brilliant images Dave We had a storm over London but nothing like described.