Gplus

Hey HondaTech,

This is my first time posting. I was going to post first about a random p0505 code i was getting but turned out to be the base idle was set wrong.

My new problem is that my car (98 civic ex 61k miles) takes a long time to start after it sits for a while (over an hour). I thought it was the FPR and I replaced it but the problem remains. I have a brand new Iacv and Tps is calibrated correctly if that is related. I can hear my fuel pump prime and when its warm it starts on the second crank like it should. It takes 7-8 cranks to start when its cold and sometimes its not the smoothest turnover.

I'd just like to know what to check from here? Fuel filter? Leaking injectors? (exhaust smells like gas when it starts) Compression test? (car does not lack power and runs smooth) Any help would be Awesome! I frequent this forum and I have gotten a bunch of help from reading. I'm hoping the group here can help me solve this and I cant wait to start helping solve others problems from my experiences! Thanks!

Gplus

btw, spark plugs/wires are new, dizzy cap and rotor are new. I tested dizzy coils and they seem ok.New upstream o2. Ignition timing is spot on. Adjusted valves today, no change. It must be a fuel problem but I dont know how to confirm that! Thanks again!

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

if it smelling like gas, then you have your answer.

Gplus

Only when it cranks for a while does it smell like gas. Ha not to be an *** in any way but your answer is vague. Are you saying I may have low compression and the motor is having a hard time igniting the mixture? Or are you saying you think I have a leaking injector?

MRGRIM

iTrader: (1)

he means your not getting spark
check your coil and igniter

Gplus

Alright, will do. I will check tomorrow I have to get going for work today. I'll research how to test the igniter. I already tested the coil but maybe I did something wrong. I'll get back to you guys. Thanks!

Gplus

Quick update. Before work I quickly tested primary and secondary coil resistance. Primary fluctuated between .8 -.9 ohms. Secondary read 15.67k ohms.

Gplus

I also checked fuses 41-42 and 15 inside the car per the instructions in the Haynes manual and they are all fine. I did not check power to the ICM yet nor have I checked if the icm is even working.

bk7794

Just because you're getting good spark resistance readings does not always mean that the coil is good.

What color is the spark at the spark plug?

Gplus

I will check that tomorrow morning before work and get back to you, your suppose to see a bright white spark, right?. Anything else I should try while I'm out there? Priming the fuel system several times doesn't change it btw, so it must be ignition.

bk7794

I'd try to crank it and if you smell gas on the spark plug then it's definitely spark related.

But yes, bright white spark. Not sure if blue is okay. If the spark is brown or yellow then it's a coil problem. If its no spark it still could be a coil problem, but could also be an igniter.

Not really sure how often those go out on the 92-00 civics. I know the 88-91s they did quite often.

Gplus

Hey So my gf had to go to work early so I couldn't test the spark due to not having 2 people around . When I replaced the cap and rotor they were both in pretty rough shape. I decided to go and buy a new coil and test it out. The car idles a hell of a lot smoother and when I put a load on it (like the ac) it responds much better than before. I haven't cold started it yet but I will when I get out of work at 11pm tonight. I will get back to you guys to see if the problem is totally gone! Sounds like another case of a bad coil that tested out okay...

bk7794

Glad to hear. Good luck!

Gplus

It cranked about 5-6 times after work so I'm still curious as to what else I should check to get that ordinary 2 crank fire that is the norm for our cars. Anything else I should check tomorrow before work? Like I said I think we are on the right track. My car runs smoother after the coil replacement the strange thing it that it has noticeable loss of low end power... I will do an idle relearn tomorrow before work and recheck ignition timing to see if that helps.I'll also check the icm, as I dont need two people. I can check that with a power probe. Thanks for the help and ideas! I'm out of ideas myself so I'm relying on you HT members.

Side note, The multimeter used to check the coil is a Fluke 88. Ive had it for about 3 years. I assume its a trust worthy meter. Good enough to start checking other options right? I'm just curious after the ohm test of the coil.

Joshuahray21