bgamera

1999 Civic EX with 183,xxx miles. Car lost power/died while driving normally. Now it cranks, but does not start; otherwise, no known problems. Here is what has been done so far:

General:
When cranking CEL comes on for a few seconds, then goes off.
Returning no codes (checked with reader)
Battery is good, had it charged at Autozone, checked with MM
Pulled/reset ECU.


Fuel:
Got fuel to the rail with good fuel pressure. Check fuel pressure - was around 42psi (within spec)
Can hear fuel pump prime for a few seconds
Using a screwdriver, i can hear the Injectors clicking consistently when cranking the engine.
Sprayed Carb cleaner into throttle body as my son cranked the engine. No signs of combustion

Compression:
Checked compression Cyl 1-4: 162, 160, 193, 185

Mechanical:
Visually inspected timing belt, wasn't broken.

Spark/Ignition:
Using screwdriver and spark tester, checked spark. All 4 fired an orange spark. (not a white spark)
Resistance checked the coil - was within specs Primary: .6-.7 Ohms, Secondary: 16.67 kOhms
Checked ICM(Igniter) with Multimeter and was getting voltage. Could not do all tests on ICM
Checked main relay: Visually could see no solder breaks, seems to be working as expected, 3 clicks
Replaced spark plugs

I plan to check the timing belt next, ensure it is in time. I thought about replacing distributor cap, rotor, coil, ICM to ensure good spark, but I don't just want to throw parts at it.

What should I do next? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

tony_2018

Continue testing ICM.

jdb423

I'm in the same situation with my 97 civic, the only differences being-

1) it worked fine until i pulled the trans to replace the clutch
2) mines a jdm b18c

I had the icm tested at an auto parts store and did the tests myself at home, but to totally eliminate the distributor I had a friend with the same engine come over and put my distributor on his car and it started up no problem.

Mine still doesn't do anything but turn over, but at least I'm sure the problem isnt there.

bgamera

Even though the ICM and Coil tested fine, I ended up replacing them (got a whole new distributor). Car immediately started, but now has a ticking, clicking, tapping type sound coming from somewhere near the timing belt. Do I need to adjust the ignition timing? or is something else wrong? Any ideas?

Former User

Not good.

bgamera

I am just a rookie and learning about engines... would the compression numbers indicate a problem that would now cause the clicking/tapping noise? It did not make the noise before it quit running.

Former User

It's possible. If the numbers are correct, you have an unhealthy engine - 2 bad cylinders.

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

generally speaking, on d series engines, two cylinders next to each other with compression significantly lower than the other two indicates a head gasket issue.