92 Civic not starting

danielg · 08-11-2009

I have a 92 civic EX 1.6L. As I came to an idle at a stop light the car started running really rough, if I stepped on the gas it smoothed out. Anyways the car stalled when I put it into gear and I had to nurse it home by giving it lots of gas. When I went out to start it the next day it turned over fine but wouldn't fire at all. Once it started for a second (after it had been sitting and just died again). It will sputter if I hold the gas down all the way but it won't start. Here are the things that I have tried.

1) Jumpered the ECU to check for codes, nothing.
2) Pulled the distributor, checked and cleaned the contact points.
3) Pulled the plugs to check for spark. There was an orange spark.
4) Removed the valve cover and checked the timing belt. It was still tight.
5) Smelled the plugs after trying to start the engine. Definitely smells like gas.
6) The fuel pump definitely runs when trying to pressurize the system. I can hear it running and when I remove the intake line from the fuel filter there is good flow
7) Sprayed carb cleaner into the intake manifold and tried to start it. No change.

I'm at a loss on what to check next does anyone have any ideas?

Daniel

To remove this ad, register today for free or log in if already registered!

danielg · 08-11-2009

Update.

I did a compression test and it didn't turn out well. From left to right the PSI numbers were 90,80,100,50. So one of the cylinders has very low compression. The car has never burned oil so it's probably not rings. Would a blown head gasket cause it not to start? Is that most likely the cause of low compression like this?

04 Honda Civic · 08-12-2009

Go to a mechanic and tell him to check to see if you have Co2 in your coolant. Does your oil look like chocolate milk?

tbohar · 08-13-2009

If the head gasket is bad enough it could cause the car not to start. Were you blowing white smoke before it died??? That's an indication that your getting coolant where it's not supposed to go.

Take it to a mechanic or take the head off to see if it's the head gasket.

danielg · 08-13-2009

It happened so suddenly that I didn't see any white smoke. I think I'll pull the head tonight so I can check the head gasket, as well as checking if the timing belt jumped a notch. Would a damaged head gasket be obvious by looking at it? I'll also take some oil in for analysis.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Daniel

canolapole · 08-16-2009

I hava had similar issues with my 90 Civic not starting. I tracked it down (or so I'd like to think) to the main relay switch. Apparently its a known Civic hitch. Cost about 35 Canadian at Partsource.

JDMEG4 · 08-24-2009

could it b your coil pak ?

mh3808 · 09-02-2009

Hey Daniel I've got a similar problem on my 93 LX. I'd like to know what you find out. I've heard it's probably either the distributor or main relay...thinking about changing the main relay first then the distributor if the relay is good.

04 Honda Civic · 09-06-2009

Dont pull the head to check your head gasket try this instead. i highly reccomend this if you suspect a bad head gasket and are thinking of pulling the head this can save u alot more time if its not.

http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/hea..._leak_test.htm