1986 Honda Civic 4 Door Sedan

Yesterday I drove this car about five miles, parked and was away from it
about an hour. When I tried to start it to leave, the starter spun the
motor but no firing occured. I popped the hood and checked all the ignition
wires and coil wire but the motor still did not start. Then I held the
accelerator down all the way and kept it there as the motor turned over.
Finally I got a kick and a few more and kept turning it over till it began
running then revved it up several times to keep it running. I drove it home
with no other problems. I think it is a fuel problem and might involve the
fuel pump. What else could cause this problem? Thanks for your answers if
you can shed some light on this.
Derek in Florida

 

Sounds like it was either flooded or you forgot to pull the choke.

I have an 87 civic sedan... it can be a pain to get started when cold.

- Chris

 

Stuck valve, (carb), possibly from debris in the carburetor. There
should be a glass window on the side of the carb with a "dot" in the
center which should be the gas level.

Sometimes, a sharp blow to the carb body will free it. By "sharp," I
mean hitting it with a good mallet or large screw driver handle. Never
use steel directly.

JT

 

Thanks JT and Chris for your replies. It has been raining here so much that
I tend to avoid popping the hood to work on the problem. Tapping the carb
sounds like a possibility. I will look for that little window you mention.
With the air cleaner off I might try spraying a bit of Starter Fluid
directly in the carb.

Derek

 

Points? (re-gap or needs to be cleaned/replaced).