car stutters at 1700-1800 revs under load

[Bevan]

Plugs and leads is the first thing to change.

No way should the revs be that low up a hill though. It's only a little 4 cylender so best to keep it about 3000 up a hill.

[16bit]

what he said ^^ also make sure your gap is set correctly.

[Bevan]

Actually, just check to make sure that there isn't any moisture in the spark plug wells. Check this BEFORE removing your spark plugs...

[Alex]

I feel sory for your car, I never let mine get below 2000 when in gear even on the flats, at only 1700-1800rpm I wouldn't be using the throttle more than about 10-20%
the only time mine shudders is when I slow down really quickly from relatively high revs, ie stopping at traffic lights after a quick squirt on the throttle, but I assume this is just because the mixture is changing rapidly from WOT to idle

[StanTheMan]

as far as plug gap is concerened. yes 99% of the time they are set at the correct dist. However if someone accidently dropped the plugs on the ground just before installing them could cause the gap to decrease.

But certainly try the cheap alternatives first. Discount nothing.......even the new leads.

[JBT]

....the only time mine shudders is when I slow down really quickly from relatively high revs, ie stopping at traffic lights after a quick squirt on the throttle, but I assume this is just because the mixture is changing rapidly from WOT to idle

Nup, there's something wrong there too.

[Uncle Arthur]

Definitely sounds like leads, especially if above the 2k RPM band it behaves normally.........

[Zimma]

Maybe take a look at the coil pack... maybe on its way out. I know they can get fine fractures in them which can cause probs... just a thought.