Rep Power: 0

Hi, I got a problem with my 02 Civic EX. I looked at several other posts and haven't seen my issue there, sorry if its close to a post. I have been having hard starts on my Civic, I originally thought it was like my 99 GSX-R 750 when its fuel pump was dying. I decided to be proactive and fix it before the pump failed outright. Civic is an 02 with 107k miles.

I got the loaner fuel pressure kit from Autozone and checked my fuel system. I could not find a Honda pressure kit loanable from any diy car parts shops, I just cut some 5/16 fuel line and substituted in the quick connects in the engine bay (fuel line near the firewall and rail quick connects, really makes me mad how there is no rail mount).

Turns out the pressure (supposed to be 40-47 psi) never got over 20 during the 2 seconds of pump pressurization and drops to 0 psi right after that.

I thought it should be the fuel pump and got a replacement in the tank, it seems to run better but still have the hard start.

Another issue that that I smelled gas while at an idle if I am stopped, this is still there and I am wondering if I have a leaky ring/injector or regulator/vacuum.

Here is the low down.

-Pressure static test fuel pump on for 2 seconds, only reaches 20 PSI, drops to zero quickly.

-Changed fuel pump, works better but still hard start (smooth with 2 ignition on sequences (running pump 4 seconds instead of usual 2).

-Fuel Pump Relay warm to the touch after drive, I don't think its normal but not sure.

- Fuel smell from vents at stoplight/standing idle. Cannot find source.

Please give me any diagnostic ideas. I was thinking of pulling the fuel rail and injectors to check for leaks on a static test. Never done one before but I think it should be straightforward. If it leaks during fuel pump engagement then that should be the problem right?

I was also going to reattach the fuel pressure gauge and use a vice grip to crimp off the lines.

It could also be the pressure regulator but how to check that is starting to push my knowledge because I think its connected with proprietary connectors also.

Thanks for any ideas. I want to post what the final cause was when I figure it out.

 
Rep Power: 230

i have almost no knowledge about engine work but i'll shoot in the dark and hopefully help. if you smell gas you could check your fuel lines. i think i read on here that someone cleaned the outside of the lines then sprayed some sort of liquid on them. the gas leak was detected by seeing small boubles. have you checked anything other then the fuel pump for ignition, starter, plugs, cables to the battery, the battery it self? as well you havent already you could hook the car up to see if it's running any codes. even if you don't have the CEL on, sometimes it's burnt out or has other issues that cause it to stay off, even if there is a code. hope you get help from someone on here soon, and good luck!

 
Rep Power: 0

check your fuel filter if you smell gas then you have a leak somewhere check the fuel return line

 
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also check the o rings on the injectors most of the time it will be the fuel return box

 
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Hey, just wanted to know where you were at with this issue. I also got the Autozone loaner tool and wanted to know how you hooked up the pressure gauge. Did you get the adapter to hook up to the (quick connect) line near the firewall like it shows in the Haynes manual? Or were you able to make the connections with the loaner tool kit? Im gonna get on it tonight.

 
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Thanks for the advice. Turns out one of the spark plugs was loose, I could move it without attaching the 3/8 inch wrench! I guess the Lucas Oil I added removed just enough crud to get it to start leaking out. I changed them with NGK Iridiums. No more gas smell and I got lots more power. Still think my fuel pressure is low though.



Raj,

I ended up buying 1/4 fuel line and attached it where the quick disconnects. I think I still have low pressure. When I try to do a static test, it drops off really quickly. I used the loaner with adapter you attach hoses to. It drops in seconds and only went to 20 psi with my setup. I think it will work better with yours as I probably have a leak somewhere (probably in the tank). Tell me what you did and I will post back.

 
Rep Power: 0

Hey thanks for the info. I finally got around to it. I used 5/16 fuel line and tied into the system after completly removing the rubber feed line and the green quick connect tabs off of the firewall line and the line on the manifold. I got 45 psi. with key on and dropped to about 42 psi which I think is normal. Ran the engine about 10 minutes and it didnt drop below 45 psi. Im gonna test again in the morning when its alittle colder. What else should I check for this hesitation?

 
Rep Power: 0

I would check spark plugs/injector coils. If more than 40k from last time change the plugs, I was told the coils (built into the spark plug connector) have problems around 120k of miles. Check via the manual, bet you got it ;0)

Did you push the 5/16 over the metal hump where the green tab was? My pressure issue was defiantly before the fuel rail (at least if its only one problem). I think its how a ghetto fabbed my new fuel pump with the submersible hose in the tank. Its possible also I may of had a bad fuel pressure gauge.

I need to get a camera take good pictures.

Does anyone know if and where the 01-05 civics have a one way valve to maintain pressure on the line? If its inside the actual fuel filter (acts as the tank seal also) I may have screwed it up when i reversed flowed.

 
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Actually I flipped through the manual at Autozone. I didnt feel like spending the $12 on it. I did check the ohms on the injectors. They were in spec (10 to 15 ohms IIRC from the manual). I gonna find out how to check resistance properly on the ignition coils.

My problem started when I had a DTC on the Upstream oxygen Sensor.I noticed 1 wire had touched the exhaust manifold and burned slightly. I replaced it with a Bosch OE type sensor which I think is causing a false rich condition. Now im having a DTC on the downstream oxygen sensor (High voltage) sensing too much oxygen. Im gonna check the ignition coils, if they check out good, Im gonna replace that Bosch with an NTK oxygen sensor.

 
Rep Power: 0

I opened back up the gas tank and reattached the hose from the fuel pump to the tank access port (part with the built in 70 dollar filter), she is keeping pressure and working really well now.

Story ends that the fuel pump was bad (2 vehicles in AZ now with bad fuel pumps, is it the weather or crappy gas here?). I originally bought the fuel pump from autozone, their "OEM FIT" it didn't fit the housing.

I bought an random fuel pump for 43 dollars and submersible fuel line from napa (5/16" gates brand) 25 a foot!

Total of 70ish and about 10 hours of work and much better than the around 800 the dealer said.