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Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

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Old Nov 23, 2020
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Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Starting off, I read all the threads of civic not starting and they all seem to be the same relative issue.
What happened is the civic overheated and when the lady pulled over it died. I assume why it died when she stopped is why it won't start now....kinda. Obviously, she blew a head gasket and compression proved that.

after replacing the head gasket and making sure it is in time I cranked it over and it fired right up but ran rough like a vacuum leak. I found that a vacuum line wasn't plugged in, started it up, and ran great.
I turned it off to button everything up and then it just kept cranking but stuttered like it was trying hard to start. after letting it sit for a while it will start up...
I shut it off and then it won't start back up.
What was done:
  • temp sensor,
  • cam sensor,
  • cleaned the EGR valve,
  • checked spark plugs multiple times (new plugs).
  • Ill oil the cylinders when I get a chance and ill try carp cleaner to see if it's fuel but why I don't think it is because it starts up just fine once and doesn't the next.
thanks for any help yall give me cuz much is needed haha. I have videos of the issues if that will help, Idk how to attach them though

Last edited by sdaidoji; Dec 30, 2020 at 06:36 AM. Reason: edited so it's intelligible
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Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

What happens if you try starting with the crank position sensor unplugged?
Old Nov 23, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

OEM sensors? These are notorious for not cooperating with aftermarkets.
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Old Nov 23, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Originally Posted by Chezboat24
OEM sensors? These are notorious for not cooperating with aftermarkets.
yes all OE
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Old Nov 23, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Check engine light?
timing correct?
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Old Nov 23, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

the only CEL that comes on is for intake temp when I take the intake box off. otherwise no lights. and yes I checked timing a few times and tensioned it to honda spec.
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

What happens if you try starting with the crank position sensor unplugged?
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

I haven't tried just unplugging the crank sensor. I come from working on Volkswagens and when you unplug sensors they tend to throw big fits but I'll unplug the crank sensor when I get time to work on the car and report back.
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Unplugging it can rule out a faulty signal from a bad sensor or wiring. Won't run perfectly but would more reliably start I would assume.

Did you unplug it when replacing the head gasket? We've seen others have issues afterwards caused by coolant/oil/etc getting into the connector if unplugged. That is what I made my recommendation on.
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

I didnt unplug it when doing a head gasket, I only unplugged the cam sensor. but its a honda so its leaking oil and the crank sensor is covered in oil so my best guess is that the problem. If their are any other suggestions keep tossing them out cuz at this point all I can do is guess and check haha.
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Then try it with just the cam sensor unplugged.

Does it die @ 2 seconds? Does it have any fault codes?
Make sure the green key light isn't flashing madly when it dies, that would be an immobilier issue. .
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Old Nov 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

So it runs first start of the day and doesn't die unless I kill it. then it wont start with no key flashy thing. its a new cam sensor so it shouldn't be that. hopefully it is the crank sensor
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Old Dec 19, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Update: I replaced the crank position sensor and the car starts now so that's good. bad news is it doesn't like to idle and it starts rough. so in terms of the original question it is technically fixed.
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Old Dec 19, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Aftermarket or OEM sensor?
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Old Dec 24, 2020
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Originally Posted by Colin42
Aftermarket or OEM sensor?
Originally Posted by Jack_ButterKnob
yes all OE
I will say, that CKP sensor is super finicky.
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Old May 9, 2021
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Timing is all good. It now has exhaust coming from intake as well as a lot of positive pressure when I stop cranking the engine.
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Old May 9, 2021
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Re: Replaced Head Gasket, Starts, Then Doesn't

Originally Posted by jkdunham
Timing is all good. It now has exhaust coming from intake as well as a lot of positive pressure when I stop cranking the engine.
sorry, you just jumped in anothers' thread.
what is your question?
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