Rep Power: 0

Need some expert views. I had this weird issue with my honda civic ex 1999 d16y8 engine 235k on it. It started doing this 2 months ago.
When engine is cold it starts fine with no issues. I haven't noticed any change in way it runs. When I run it for like 20 mins and then start, doesn't want to start(I'm thinking when engine get hot enough). Battery is good. It cranks and just feel like it 's starting then just drop dead. Sometimes I manage to start it by pressing on gas pedal harder(but not all the time). Once it starts it runs smooth with no sign of issue. No lights on(check engine etc). Also one time I had guy push the car(when I had the same issue) and it started fine with no issue, seems like issue is with just cranking the car. It just feels like some sensor is not functioning correctly.
Need opinion on what could be wrong or way to diagnose issue.

 
Rep Power: 209

Could be a failing ignition coil or igniter. Both are inside the distributor and can be tested and replaced. Test coil via "arc test"..use a long screwdriver and a battery jumper cable. Hook one end of one side of jumper cable to a chassis ground such as the nuts that hold the struts to the strut tower. Attach the other end of the (same one side) of jumper cable to the screwdriver shaft now the screwdriver shaft is grounded. Place the screwdriver tip about an inch from the ignition coil as a helper cranks the engine and slowly advance the screwdriver tip towards the coil (while engine is cranking).

A strong coil should arc (blue/red spark) about an inch to ground (screwdriver). A weak coil will not and may even finally die and not spark during this test. However, that is a good thing because it assures that coil is weak and needs replacement. Make sure not to touch the screwdriver shaft with your hand during this test. Hold the insulated battery cable jumper clip handle to avoid shock. If the coil is bad do buy a cheap aftermarket parts...replace with original OEM part or pull one from a junkyard.

A weak coil can fail when it and engine heats up.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you buddy. I'll check that out for sure. I don't feel anything different when car is running. Shouldn't failing ignition coil have some symptoms like misfires or engine hesitation while driving as well.

 
Rep Power: 242

Is it cranking or is the starter not even trying?

When the starter started going bad on my truck it would stick or not fire only after the truck had been running.Once it cooled down the starter woked great.

 
Rep Power: 209

A failing ( but not completely failed) can cause a variety of issues. It may or may not cause misfires.

 
Rep Power: 0

Just found out what issue was. My check engine light just came on(I was eagerly waiting for.. good luck?!!). It was the ECT sensor electronic coolant temperature sensor. Just replaced and everything back to normal. I did quick test to verify the resistance between terminal on ECT sensor was jumping around alot from 0 ohms to few mega ohms when engine was hot. The correct reading when engine is hot on ECT sensor should be few hundred ohms(100-500 ohms I think). It should jump to about 1500-2000 ohms when cold. I did checked that when engine became cold it was reporting it correctly so car was starting fine.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks. This is another bit of info about these Hondas I need to put in my memory bank. Coolant temp sensor, got it.