Rep Power: 0

Electrical?

1991 Civic DX. I've owned it since it was brand new.
187K miles. Very little maintenance needed over all these years.

However, I had a rather interesting issue last night. I had driven it earlier in the day several times. 3/4 tank of gas. Good battery. A/C, radio, lights, etc. turned off. Fuel filter is two year old.

I started it, and it ran for 2 seconds then died. Repeat, X5. It would stay running, with the key held in start with the starter whining away, but die as soon as I released. Then, she finally stayed in idle on her own after releasing the key after numerous attempts.

Two miles down the road, (with 35 to go to get home ) she died again. I coasted into a parking lot. Got her started and made it all the way home. Whew. However, after having it for 20 years, I just felt she was, well, 'weak' on that drive.

Any ideas what this could be? I feel it is fuel related?
Thanks a bunch for reading and for any ideas!

-Tom

 
Rep Power: 0

Ugh- so many things it could be! Here's some ways to narrow it down a little...

1) Rule out electric: Next time the car dies, Remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a spark tester or a spare spark plug. Ground the other end of the tester/plug to the negative battery terminal using a jumper cable, and put the tester/plug where you can see it from inside the car. If you get a nice bright blue-white spark even when the car won't start then you know it's not an electric problem.

Check for codes: Pull down the carpet under the glove box until you find the little round window in the floor plate. Turn key to II and count how many times the LED blinks in that window.