my 1991 honda civic 4 speed hatch starts only when it wants to?

Question

over the last two months i have been having trouble starting my car, since i have replaced the air filter, fuel filter, spark lines and plugs, starter, distributor cap, ignition coil, and rotor, i can hear my fuel pump make a buzz noise which means its pumping the fuel through the lines, some times when i start the car the cap will arc, other times it just will not fire up, the only things left i have to replace its the main relay and the fuel pump but before i do that i want to know is there anything else that would cause my fuel system to have low pressure, my problem is a mind boggler to all mechanics i have spoken with, any help would be important to me (this morning it started, yesterday i could not get it going, no temp is associated with the problem)

Answer 1

There are two possibilities that you may want to consider. The first has to do with the engine flooding out. Those cars were very prone to that. Honda's have a little known "clear flood" mode on the ECUs for the fuel injected cars. If the car doesn't start right away, then hold the accelerator pedal on the floor and crank the engine for up to 15 seconds. If it doesn't light up, then wait at least 2 minutes before trying it again with the accelerator pedal on the floor and cranking for 15 seconds. (If you don't let the starter cool off between tries you could burn the starter out).

If the engine lights up then the issue is not electrical but with flooding. if the issue is electrical then I would have to bet on the problem being with the distributor sub assembly. Unfortunatly, that's the guts of the distributor and you'll either have to replace the distributor with a new or rebuilt unit to fix it.

Both the flooding and the distributor sub-assemblies are common causes of no-start conditions on that car. Chances are its one or the other. try the clear flood mode first and if it doesn't work, check for spark.

hope that helps

Answer 2

Honda had a problem with thier ignition control modules. I would bet this is your problem. The part is only $60 and takes about 15min to change. The module is silver and located behind the dash and above the steering column. This box controls the spark to the plugs. Don't worry about the fuel system. if you replaced all those other parts. this is your problem

Answer 3

ya, id check the ignition wire harness,behind your ignition!is it getting power when you put the key in accessory position?its something electrical.maybe even the module or coil!have them checked at auto zone!