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Help with a '99 Civic

Hogback Fabrication

Hogback Fabrication

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The car won't start. It cranks and you can hear the motor trying to start (i.e. it has some fuel and spark) but it won't catch .

I replaced the cap, rotor, plugs and wires because they were probably original (the plugs had ~.100" gap :eek1:). Car still wouldn't start.

Replaced the fuel filter with no change.

I think the problem is on the fuel side. It has spark to all 4 cylinders and most of that system has now been replaced.

I would hook a fuel pressure gauge up to it but it requires a special adapter that is a dealer only part and I would prefer not to buy it.

If its a fuel problem, its either the pump or pressure regulator. I wouldn't think the regulator would keep it from starting but I could be wrong (which is why I'm asking you guys). Do you think replacing the pump is justified? Any ideas? Thanks in advance fellas :thumb:
 
disconnect the fuel line somewhere and see if it pumps fuel out at a good clip. Before and after the regulator. If it works on both sides, it could be injectors.
 
How many miles? The timing belt can be a caulprit... Scheduled changes are every 100K. And I beleive they are an interference motor. So you may want to check compression.
 
how did you check for spark? it may be compression-firing and seem like it's trying to start.

i use a really easy method to test for spark. pull a spark plug wire, stick a screwdriver in there and hold it near the head or something else it can arc to. no spark? there's your problem. then, just find the cause.


And I beleive they are an interference motor.
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yeah, snap that timing belt and things get really fun (expensive).
 
vortec said:
how did you check for spark? it may be compression-firing and seem like it's trying to start.

i use a really easy method to test for spark. pull a spark plug wire, stick a screwdriver in there and hold it near the head or something else it can arc to. no spark? there's your problem. then, just find the cause.




yeah, snap that timing belt and things get really fun (expensive).
Click to expand...


The belt could loose a tooth or few. Maybe not break completly. That could explain why it acts like it wants to start...
 
I don't know what motor you're running, but when I was having a problem in my '94 Protege 1.8L I pulled the #1 plug wire, connected to a spare plug, and stuck it in the engine hoist point. I could view it while turning the engine over to verify spark. My problem was from the distributor on down, didn't even pretend to start.

Spray a little bit of ether in the air intake. If it runs good for a few seconds that would ensure you are having a fuel problem, not something else.
 
Chris where the fuel line goes into the fuel rail there should be a 10mm bolt remove the bolt. Have someone turn the ign to the start possition see if there is fuel. If no fuel poss blown fuse,bad pump or main relay.

If there is fuel still will not start remove oil fill cap with a flash light look in the motor while you have someone try starting the car make sure the cam is moving. Civic's have had problems the cam will snap at the cam wheel I dont think this is you problem due to spark at all 4cyl.

Check you timming your t-belt may have jumped a tooth.

Turn drivers wheel all the way to the left take a 17mm socket with long extension and rotate the motor on the crank you are looking for some marks there will be a white-red-white marks keep going about 1 inch more there will be another white mark this is TDC. Remove valve cover (you can reuse the gasket) On the cam wheel it is stamped UP if you look you will see 2 marks on the edge off the cam wheel they should be horizontal with the head if all your marks lign up then you are in time.

if these do not help get you started let me know I will stop by after work and we will get it started.


Just came to me is the car flooded??? take all 4 plugs out spray with brake clean. crank the motor over for about 20 sec to clean out your cyl. Reinstall the plugs there is a rubber hose that goes to your fuel rail take a long pair of needed nose plyers and pinch off the fuel line and have some one in the car put gas pedal all the way to the floor have them crank the motor they may have to crank the car a minute or so at a time. If it trys to start keep cranking with foot to the floor till the motor is fully running there will be alot of smoke.
 
vortec said:
i use a really easy method to test for spark. pull a spark plug wire, stick a screwdriver in there and hold it near the head or something else it can arc to. no spark? there's your problem. then, just find the cause.
Click to expand...

That is exactly how I tested for spark and all 4 seem fine.

DPI said:
The belt could loose a tooth or few. Maybe not break completly. That could explain why it acts like it wants to start...
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Hadn't thought of that, I'll check tomorrow. The car has 97K and the original timing belt I'm sure.

INTERCEPTOR said:
Chris where the fuel line goes into the fuel rail there should be a 10mm bolt remove the bolt. Have someone turn the ign to the start possition see if there is fuel. If no fuel poss blown fuse,bad pump or main relay.

If there is fuel still will not start remove oil fill cap with a flash light look in the motor while you have someone try starting the car make sure the cam is moving. Civic's have had problems the cam will snap at the cam wheel I dont think this is you problem due to spark at all 4cyl.
Click to expand...

There is fuel. The car almost starts, I'm pretty sure if I held the pedal to the floor it would start. There is definitely something wrong though.

if these do not help get you started let me know I will stop by after work and we will get it started.

INTERCEPTOR said:
Just came to me is the car flooded??? take all 4 plugs out spray with brake clean. crank the motor over for about 20 sec to clean out your cyl. Reinstall the plugs there is a rubber hose that goes to your fuel rail take a long pair of needed nose plyers and pinch off the fuel line and have some one in the car put gas pedal all the way to the floor have them crank the motor they may have to crank the car a minute or so at a time. If it trys to start keep cranking with foot to the floor till the motor is fully running there will be alot of smoke.
Click to expand...

Plugs are dry, already pulled them once.

INTERCEPTOR said:
if these do not help get you started let me know I will stop by after work and we will get it started.
Click to expand...

I had forgotten that you were a mechanic at a Honda dealership. I'll shoot you a PM and get your number, thanks Bo :thumb:
 
Wow got a little excited? :D Jk, it sounds like a timing belt, same thing was happening to my sisters Nissan Maxima and turned out the timing belt busted and screwed up a lot of stuff because we got it to run for a while. Just swap a 350 in there and your problems will be solved :D
 
Lets start here.

Spark yes no?

Fuel Yes No?

Is it a strong spark or a weak spark?

Are the plug wires on correct?

Did you replace the rotor? Some dist you can put the rotor 180 off is it a push on or one with a screw?

When cranking the motor does it sound like it has compression?
 
had a friends 1996 civic (i think 1.5L SOHC?) do this it was the cam angle sensor that plugs into a harness at the front of the motor, the serp belt had slowly worn through the wire loom it was wrapped in and caused a similar problem, we just extended/reconnected the two wires, I think white and light blue and bingo:), hope it helps
 
INTERCEPTOR said:
Lets start here.

Spark yes no?
Click to expand...

Yes

INTERCEPTOR said:
Fuel Yes No?
Click to expand...

Yes

INTERCEPTOR said:
Is it a strong spark or a weak spark?
Click to expand...

Strong

INTERCEPTOR said:
Are the plug wires on correct?
Click to expand...

Yes, double checked (even checked it against the manual)

INTERCEPTOR said:
Did you replace the rotor? Some dist you can put the rotor 180 off is it a push on or one with a screw?
Click to expand...

Yes. The rotor only goes on one way.

INTERCEPTOR said:
When cranking the motor does it sound like it has compression?
Click to expand...

Yep
 
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