Won't Start 88 Honda Civic DX

Discussion in 'Civic' started by Shotgun, Jan 29, 2004.

  1. Shotgun

    Shotgun Guest

    '88 Civic DX died at a redlight last night, and wouldn't start. Gas was
    low, but don't think the thing ran out of gas.

    Pulled it back home today, it is getting both fuel and spark, but still
    won't start. No engine codes are present.

    Hope this rings a bell with someone who can help. Last trouble I had was
    the TDC sensor go bad, which I diagnosed and fixed usng the ECU problem
    code.

    Thanks!
     
    Shotgun, Jan 29, 2004
    #1
  2. ==================

    Shotgun,

    Slip the distributor cap off to be sure the rotor is turning (although
    you said it has spark). If that's OK, I'd try priming it with some
    starting fluid (ether) to see if it won't fire up. Then you'll know if
    your fuel line or carb is iced too much to keep it running.

    All I can think of . . . it's warmed up to -30C here tonight. ;-(

    'Curly'

    ==================
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Jan 29, 2004
    #2
  3. Shotgun

    Shotgun Guest

    Man, that's cold! Yep the rotor button is turning, and I tried the
    ether....not a single bang out of any cylinder.

    The only thing I can think of is that the spark is not timed with the
    compression. But, that should have come up on an engine code.

    I'm starting to suspect the ECU has gone south.

    Thanks for the help!
     
    Shotgun, Jan 29, 2004
    #3
  4. Had a similar problem with my prelude. Driving down the highway and it
    just died. I was sure the timing belt broke. Got car home and removed
    valve cover. Gave it a quick start and the camshaft turned. Belt was
    not broken, but several teeth were torn off. Check your TDC and
    crankshaft timing.
     
    William Burke, Feb 1, 2004
    #4
  5. Shotgun

    Shotgun Guest

    Thanks,

    I checked the belt timing, all is well. Tomorrow I'm going to check the
    pressure regulator. I actually have it running a bit; so bad tho that I
    can't even leave the driveway in it. I'll pinch off the fuel return line
    and see what happens.

    The most confounding problems I have had are the late 80's Hondas.
     
    Shotgun, Feb 2, 2004
    #5
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