re2gie

hi I'm new here my name is Reggie,
I'm having issues with my 1999 Honda Civic EX
Here's what's been happening.
My car began to slow down, I pulled over because it was going about 5mph I looked the engine over, saw that two of the spark plugs was covered in oil I cleaned out the oil I replaced the spark plugs and cables. After that the engine started up normally, but soon after it started to slow down and when I push the accelerator it made a tsk tsk tsk noise I tried to pull over into a gas station, as soon ad I got in the parking lot it shut off. I got the car towed home. The car would start then stay on for a bit and the engine would shut off. I can hand crank the engine so its not seized. Charged the battery, checked the fuel pump and the spark plugs are getting power. Not sure what the issue could be. Any

crazyhouse2011

Alternator?

re2gie

I haven't checked on the alternator, but it is one of my suspicions. I voiced this to my friend and he shot it down, but didn't have an idea. So that's why I came here. Thanks I'll definitely check that out.

import-tooner

If you're not getting spark it's most likely a distributor problem. Or more precise, the distributor ignitor. It's not too hard to change but if you can find a good deal on a used distributor then it's only 3 bolts to swap it out. It won't be the alternator.

As far as the oil being in the spark plug tubes, you may need to get a valve cover gasket set. They usually come with new spark plug tube seals. Be aware that they are kind of a pain in the *** to change tho.

re2gie

My friend tested the spark plugs and they were getting power, but I will check that out thanks for the info

import-tooner

I'm sorry, I read it wrong. I thought you said they were not getting power. Have you checked to see if they are oil soaked again.

re2gie

I checked them today when I hand cranked the engine, they where dry as a bone

Fishbone Fan

Easy way to check the alternator is start the car and let idle, remove the negative terminal from the battery post and if it shuts off you alternator is probably bad and if it stays running (like it should) then your alternator is probably good.

I say probably because it needs to be check for output voltage and amperage to be sure. You can bring it to Autozone or other parts stores and they will check it for you.

re2gie

I would have to take it to them the car doesn't crank or start anymore

crazyhouse2011

DO NOT DO THIS

Listen to me OP. Whatever you do, DON'T do this. For the same amount of time you could go to autozone and have them run a free test on your alternator. Removing the battery from the electrical system with the car running has a high probability to fry your electrical system with a huge voltage spike. The battery acts as a capacitor and absorbs any jumps in voltage, leaving your car unharmed from voltage spikes. Removing the battery will cause a huge voltage spike for a moment, sometimes over 100 volts, at which point you can kiss your ECU and many other electrical components goodbye.

This was an okay method on older cars that didn't use ECUs or advanced electronics, but if you try this you are bound to destroy your electrical system.

You have been warned.

crazyhouse2011

If your car is a manual you can push start it. Throw the battery on a deep cycle charger overnight, preferrably a 2 amp charger. In the morning try to start the car. if it does, haul *** to autozone. If not, push start it and use the battery power to sustain the vehicle along the trip. Just don't use headlights or interior accessories.

re2gie

Thanks man, I can't try it if I wanted to. My car is an automatic, if I had a manual I'm sure the incline I'm on is good enough to do this