scbmx87

My 95 DX with the d15b7 and 5 speed trans was purchased with a blown head gasket a few months back. I replaced the gasket with an OEM gasket and new OEM head bolts.

I had a friend helping, who is a tech at Honda, that set the timing for me. He apparently set it 2-3 teeth off at the crank. I drove the car for a week or so and it was quite sluggish (obviously), so I double checked the head gasket, oil and coolant to make sure it was all still good. No oil in the coolant and vice versa. I reset the timing but it still seems to be about a half tooth off according to the marks on the crank pulley and cam gear.It ran a good bit better but still lacked power.

Last week, it stumbled and shut off on me while I was idling at at a stop light after driving an hour from work. It struggled but started back up. I drove it a few miles home and it died in the driveway at idle. Once it was completely cool a few days later it struggled but finally started. It poured whitish blue smoke out of the exhaust for a minute or two then back to normal. The car does smoke under load I believe due to bad valve seals. They will be replaced this weekend.

I decided to replace the fuel filter and took it for a drive. It ran better but still bogged a good bit. I unplugged thre TPS and it ran smoother but still lacks power. After driving it for a few minutes to the grocery store i shut it off and came back out maybe 30 min later to it not starting. It will only start if I pump the gas pedal while cranking it.

I am thinking TPS and maybe ignition module or ignition timing. Would a bad TPS cause a hard start while warm?

Former User

Have you compression tested the cylinders?

Did you verify the head and block matting surfaces were flat prior to installing the new head gasket? Were the head bolts torqued to spec in the correct order?

scbmx87

I havent had time to compression test it, i plan to this week. Just have to find the proper procedure again.

The head and block were not checked due to the car not overheating severely, and yes the bolts were torqued in the proper steps and order.

Former User

How can you be sure?

scbmx87

I bought it from a friend, It was leaking a bit and caused low compression numbers so he sold it to me and I replaced it. But you are correct, I can't be 100% sure. I should have my hands on a compression tester tonight or tomorrow.

It was extremely hard to start today when I got back to my car after work, but it started decently easy this morning. It's definitely relative to heat. It shut off on me on the way home while i was drifting down a ramp, but i pop started it and it fired right back up. It shut off again when I pulled into my driveway and let it idle for about 30 seconds. I immediately pulled a plug and checked for spark, it was orange and did not seem very strong. Isn't the spark supposed to be like a bright white?

And Ron, I appreciate your help very much!

Former User

Yes, spark should be bright white.

scbmx87

It's a dull orange, not near what I remember it supposed to look like. Guess that narrows my problem to plugs, wires, ignition module or the entire dizzy.

I'm going to check the TPS voltage this weekend as well. I've read that an Ignition Module on its way out can overheat and not work properly causing hard starts, missing and bad fuel mileage. I'll take it out and test it with my multimeter.

Former User

Weak spark is generally caused by a bad coil and sometimes a bad igniter unit.

GSXRedline

I'm having a simular issue with my 95 dx it also has a d15b7 but an automatic trans. My civic is also starting and stalling. Just today it stalled twice while driving.

Now I'm thinking it could be the main relay being faulty. But as a side note I recently changed the ignition key mechanism, so there could be a fault in that too, but it works fine when it stays running

scbmx87

I will compression test the car Friday or Saturday, as well as test the coil and ignition module. Hopefully that wil give me some answers.

JJFBDF

Hello, I've Had This Problem As well with my 93 dx 5 speed, I did the compression test dry and wet still no compression what's the problem ? any help is greatly appreciated thanks.