Rep Power: 0

Hi. My 1999 civic occasionally cranks over but won't start. If I leave it for a while, it will start. I have changed out to a used distributor, but it also still has the same problem. I was told at Honda that it might be the igniter. I know that it is located in the distributor along with the coil. Does anyone have any ideas before I purchase a new distributor?
thanks.

 
Rep Power: 222

Moved because not a DIY.
Did you verify that lack of spark is actually your problem?

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi,
I am getting spark to all cylinders. This just happens every so often. When this happens and it finally starts, it runs a little rough and I can smell gas.

 
Rep Power: 222

So when this is happening, are you still getting spark?
checked timing? It can be off a tooth and not throw a code
When it's not starting are the spark plugs wet?

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi.
I am getting spark to all cylinders. It just cranks over sometimes and won't6 start.v When it finally starts, it is rough idle and I smell gas.

 
Rep Power: 222

You're not answering the questions...

 
Rep Power: 367

the gas smell is because it was throwing gas into the cylinder without spark. So fuel was not burning. That is not an information of use to solve the problem, it is a consequence

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi,
I just had the motor out at the shop last week. All seals were done on the motor as well as new timing belt. I have not tried pulling the plugs when it won't start. I went back to the shop today and they said it might be the main relay on the side of the glove box or fuel pump sensor. All I know is that sometimes this issue will not happen for a month or two, and then once or twice a week. It's frustrating.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks. My typing sucks. I will have to do more checking when I am off later this week. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 222

If it's the main relay that will be lack of fuel not lack of spark.
Figure out what is missing when the car won't start

 
Rep Power: 0

Will do.

 
Rep Power: 0

Well, it is 2 weeks later and the problem has gotten worse with the extreme heat we have been having. 3 days in a row while the air has been very hot, the car has not stated after running. I have determined that it is getting spark when it won't start as I have pulled a spark lead and put an old plug into it. I get spark when cranking it over. I also have pulled out the main relay and examined the solders on the circuit board. They appear to be fine. This heat has really increased the problem .If I let it sit for an hour, it will start. But when I arrive at my destination, it won't start again right away. I'm so lost with this. Any help woiuld be appreciated.
Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 222

Try throwing another main relay at it

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you. The car is going in this week for a seal replacement. I'll have them look at it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Did you end up getting figuring out the issue or getting it fixed?

 
Rep Power: 222

Please post your own thread with what's going on and what troubleshooting you have done

 
Rep Power: 0

Sorry for the extremely late reply. I got another main relay and it seemed to run good after that. Except last summer when it was extremely hot. Been running good the last year until last week. I ran the car for over 2 hours. when I tried to start it, it would just crank over. We tapped the distributor and it started. It seems to start right away in the morning, but will not after it has been driven awhile. Hours later it will start. I stated it several times this morning without warming it up. I have ordered a new distributor and replaced the main relay. Hopefully this solves my starting issues. Thanks to all for the help.

 
Rep Power: 222

These cars don't like aftermarket distributors

 
Rep Power: 0

So I have heard. I did change the distributor this morning and it started twice. I let it run for 5 minutes and it would not start. I have an appointment at the shop tomorrow. This has me baffled.

 
Rep Power: 222

Try one from a junkyard

 
Rep Power: 0

I replaced it and it turns out that was not the problem. It was a temperature sensor that is located under the distributor.