Civic won't start after running for 30 minutes

XBRMann · 11-06-2009

I have a 1988 Civic LX with a1.5L FI I4 engine. My car has been running like a champ for 280k miles. Over the summer my car would not start after it was running for 30 minutes; the starter would turn the engine but it would never start. I'd let the car sit for about 30 minutes and then it would start right up. Since I just commute to/from work with this car it worked well enough for me.

Over the last weekend I parked my civic overnight on a hill with the front of the car aimed at the bottom. The next day the car would not start exhibiting the same behavior as it would after I would drive it for 30 minutes. I even tried to pop the clutch and start it that way without success. I coasted the car to a flat surface and let it sit for about 1 hour and then it started right up.

Has anyone ever run into anything like this? I've seen several posts regarding civics not starting, but none that mention a hill.

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gearbox · 11-07-2009

it almost sounds like vapor lock. if the starter is turning, and you have spark (since youre able to drive the car eventually), i think its a fuel delivery problem. maybe time for a new fuel pump, or something is getting stuck, maybe injectors.