Civic EX 1998

Hi guys,
I bought a used Civic EX 88K miles. Runs good. After first oil change it
takes twice as long as before to crank the engine in order to run. Did I do
anything wrong?

thank for any ideas.
James.

 

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If you wait till the 'lamp check' is over, the fuel pump has time to
pressurize the fuel rail, and it will start better. Your manual explains
the lamp check. Run a can of injector cleaner thru it, since you don't
know if the former owner ever did.

'Curly'

 

Hi
It doesn't crank slower, does it? If so, it could be that you replaced
it with heavyer oil, which might take the starter more power to make
the motor turn. I replace the winter oil with a thinner oil than summer
for that reason.

Regards,
Remco

 

Thanks 'Curly',

But is there any connection with the oil change? because it was immediately
after the oil change. And what is the procedure to clean the injectors?

James

 

I have no idea what oil the previous owner used, but I used Mobile 5W30. The
filter the previous owner had was a proline, and that impressed me because I
only use the basic purolator. I figure that if I stick to 3000 mile cycles
of oil change that should be enough. Isn't it?

James

 

Hi James
5w30 should be fine -- that's what I use as well and the manual
recommends it.
I wonder if he used 0W30 synthetic or something like that, since he
used a good filter.
Does the car crank slower than before?

Regards,
Remco

 

Hi Remco,
It doesn't sound to be slower, but it definitely takes longer to start. If
he used synthetic, than it may be bad news since I switched back to mineral.
The engine seems to run smoother after I changed the oil, though.

James.

 

Hi Remco,

Not sure if the viscosity of the oil has anything to do with it starting
quicker, other than that perhaps the cranking may be slowed down some with
thicker oil. You can get thinner oil than 5W30 and it can be synthetic. I'd
assume you'll notice the difference in cranking speed in cold weather, so
that can't be it..

That's a weird one -- I am sure there are some guys on this group that know
why.

Sorry to have you worry about the synthetic oil issue, but you could go
through the DMV records to track the previous owner to ask him about the
type of oil he used (unless he left records in the car). Not sure if CarFax
will give you previous owner info. It will take a little doing, but could
be done.

Hope you find the reason soon.
Remco

 

Since it is a '98 it possibly has the original battery still. It could
be that the link to the oil change is just a coincidence, and that your
battery has reached end of life. On my '94 Civic the first sign of the
battery going bad is that I have to crank longer to start the car
(although it seems to crank about as fast as always).

 

I also have a 98 civic. If the tank is below 1/2, it
takes extra cranks to start if you don't give the fuel
pump a chance to prime the system. I have seen this on
other Gen 6 civics as well, especially after sitting for
more than 3-4 hours.

For some reason, when the tank is full, it doesn't take as
long. I assume this has to do with the orientation of the
fuel pickup or something, though I have never inspected it.

Perhaps by coincidence, your tank was below 1/2 after the
oil change, and you just happened to notice this due to
DIY paranoia. I been there.... for instance: after my t-
belt job.

t

 

You were totally right! Thanks!

James

 

I checked the voltage: 12.8V. The almost empty gas tank was the problem.
Thanks to all for the answers!

James.