usdmEHboy

My friend just bought a 1994 civic dx and we aren't sure what the problem is. It will start perfectly fine, but if we shut it off and try to start it a couple minutes later, it won't start. (Acts like it is, though) If we try to start it a day later, it starts perfectly fine again. Any ideas? All help is appreciated

Former User

When the engine won't start:
1) Does the fuel pump fail to prime?
2) Is there no spark at the plugs?

usdmEHboy

Fuel pump primes.. How do I check for spark again? Take the spark plug wire out and touch metal if I remember correctly?

Former User

Click the spark link in my signature.

apexi_rsx

change the main relay or check your grounds make sure the starter has good contact

Dryden

after doing some reading i think our problem might be the main realy going out... could very well be something else but these are the symptoms of a main relay going bad that i read:

-the car will usually start when cold or cooled down and run just fine (This car starts right up and runs great the next day after working on it the night before ).

-the car usually will not start back up after warmed up (exactly what happens to this car, we go around the block, come back and park it, and it wont start right after that)

-and the car will usually start again after cooling down (again, exact same thing with this car. we leave it overnight and the next day it fires right up)

Former User

Did you check for spark?

Dryden

We are gonna do that first in just a little bit.

Dryden

Main relay was good, but spark was pretty dim. We didn't get a chance to test ignition coil/ distributor yet...

Dryden

the coil and ignition control module tested good. could it just be the distributor?

Dryden

after having everything tested, we put the dizzy all back together and back on the car, along with a new fuel filter. the car does not start at all now, it cranks but doesn't start. we are gonna try to borrow a distributor from another friend and see what happens. kinda lost at this point...

tundra2000

Do you still get spark after you put the dizzy back on?

Dryden

yeah there is still spark after we reinstalled it, it seems to be a dim spark, not sure tho. we took the ignition coil and control module to autozone to get tested, and they said they passed.