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Hi Everyone,

Long time reader first time poster. I own a 2002 Honda Civic Ex coupe 1.7L VTEC. My car cranks then stalls out on the first start attempt. Turn key to off then back on and it starts right up. There are no codes, fuel pump relay clicks and pump primes. It will only start if I prime the pump twice. I little history, replaced timing belt, water pump, tensioner, battery, alternator, catalytic convertor, VTEC Solenoid, fuel pump all in the past couple months. Car has 240K, has new spark plugs and coils, I can hear the relays click when I turn the key to on. Fuel injectors are operating when the car is running using the long screwdriver-stethoscope method. The car runs great when it starts, does not idle rough. I did the idle relearn and tried just about everything else I can find on this forum but I am lost now. Does anyone have to prime the fuel pump twice before it starts? Please help. Also car is automatic.

 
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Were the fuel lines inspected when the pump was changed? They may be gummed up so flow is being restricted.

 
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If you leave the key on for like 10 secs and then try to start it does it work?

 
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I tried this and it is still having the sme symptoms.

 
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I did not have the fuel lines inspected. When I changed the fuel pump I kept the original pump housing, just changed the actual pump inside. Do you think it can be the pressure regulator on the pump? When it runs for a bit and you shut it off it will start back up, but if I wait 10 minutes then the same symptoms occur, have to prime the pump twice to start.

 
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Might need a fuel pump filter (2nd video) replacement? Have you tried Colin's advice of waiting about 10 seconds while the key is in the second position prior to starting?

 
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Thank you. I did try waiting the 10 seconds with the key on and still receieved the same symptoms. Car starts and stalls immediately like there is not enough fuel to keep it running. I'll have to pull the back seat and check the filter.

 
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When you replaced the fuel pump did you install a Honda genuine (oem) or an aftermarket pump?

How long ago did you replace the timing belt and did the starting issue happen after it was replaced? Have you checked mechanical timing to rule out a jumped tooth/teeth possibility?

 
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I used an OEM pump. These issues were happening before the timing was changed. I had to redo the timing because I has the MAP Sensor Failure due to incorrect timing. Found that out on this forum. I figured that would help with the stalling issue as well but it did not. The timing was done by a reputable shop near me about 2-3 weeks ago. I am going to post a video of what the car sounds like trying to start up shortly.

 
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As soon as a figure out how to get a video on here I will update.

 
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Not sure if you all can view this

 
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Sounds like you've put a lot of parts, money and likely time into this issue. At this point it seems to be narrowed down to lack of fuel delivery on first starts. In one of your replies you mentioned you replaced the fuel pump motor, but not the housing. Replacing the filter, if it's partially clogged/dirty per the video I linked might solve the issue.
I'm assuming from the other work you've put into it that the air filter is clean and possibly the throttle body + butterfly flap is clean too?

Using a long screwdriver or auto stethoscope the way you did listen for injector pulse does determine whether they are firing. However what it doesn't prove is correct spray pattern and amount from the injectors into the cylinders. Hard to say if one or more injectors not spraying correctly can cause the issue your car has.

Have you checked fuel pressure? Do you have an OBD2 scanner that can check fuel pressure? Better yet a fuel pressure test gauge?

If it always reliably starts everytime on the second start than this issue, though likely annoying to you, seems to be manageable even if there is no resolution. At 240k probably not worth investing much more time or money in as long as it eventually starts every time.