Rep Power: 0

1.5L D17B7 engine dropped into a 95 civic EX. I've been having start/idle issues for awhile now and have fixed/replaced the following:

Spark Plugs/Wires/Distributor
Had to manually Wire the MAP sensor to the ECU
Cleaned throttle body/air filter/manifold
Set Timing
Replaced Battery

After doing this for a day it would start up without a hitch and ran perfectly. Then all of a sudden I turn the key to start and it cranks over like it's going to start, and then it continues to crank over. Took me 5-10 times to finally get it started (had to really step on the gas). I noticed the CEL coming back on once in awhile and throwing a code 6 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) Probably just the sensor since I've flushed the radiator and added new coolant tho.

 
Rep Power: 518

You haven't taken care of this yet?

 
Rep Power: 0

Took care of the code 3, CEL doesn't come on all the time. Just once in awhile because of the ECT sensor, code 6. I'm going to clean the injectors and see if that helps. What's the best way to do this? I heard to just soak them in diesel fuel for an hour or 2.

 
Rep Power: 518

Fix the ECT sensor issue before you waste more time and money.

 
Rep Power: 0

Replaced sensor and so far no start failures. Fuel economy is way better too. Before 20mpg, now 30mpg. I don't see replacing the other things as a waste of time or money seeing as how they needed to be replaced/fixed anyway. 240k miles on the engine so it's going to need some tlc.

 
Rep Power: 518

You gotta understand how I approach it as a troubleshooter.
I make my money by solving the problems first.

I have to figure out what the problem and be able to fix and guarantee it FIRST, before I can toss tune up and maintenance parts at it.
Yeah it needs all this stuff but that's not what's causing the complaint.


Picture this:
If you were paying someone to "diagnose" it, would you want to be paying them to guess at some plugs and wires, then maybe the cap and rotor....
What, that didn't work? We need more cash to continue "diagnosing"..
OK...
HEY lets try an injector flush, and maybe flush and clean a couple other things....
(several days and many visits and phone calls later...)
I got a few more guesses to sell you after those don't fix the complaint.....
O0ohh? What's that check engine light thingy there?
What? You're out of money now?




See, the phone call from my service department would probably sound like...
"Replacing this (item) will fix your top priority complaint, $xxx.
We also noticed some maintenance items that are due to be addressed, they are......"

(One call, one visit. Solved.)
But your car is a bit different from what I normally see at work, being older with a swap and all.

Anyway....

You can safely ignore whomever you heard this from.


HTH

 
Rep Power: 0

I get what you're saying and it makes perfect sense. I appreciate your feedback and it's nice to have an experienced community to learn from. I don't have a OBD code reader and found out I could short the plug under the dash to get the codes. Looked like a "36" (which doesn't even come up with anything). Finally realized it was "3 & 6" and I didn't even know what these sensors did at the time, but hindsight is 20/20. Live and learn. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Ezone!