driveslow

stock 94 civic ex

I noticed that a typical start up in my car is rough, you turn the key and it hesitates and hovers around 200 rpm,slowly works its way up, and 3 seconds later it will level out. Regardless of the weather temp. However, when I turn the key till 2nd click, pump the gas once or twice, then start the car, it fires up without a problem. What could this be?

btw, i have replaced:

plugs
plug wires
fuel filter
entire dizzy
Techron fuel injector cleaner added to fuel tank 300 miles back.

cvcrcr99

When you put the car into accessory (2nd click), your CEL should come on, you will hear a slight hum noise, and then the noise and the CEL will both shut off. That is your fuel system priming. I guess this is a Honda thing (???... I have only driven Honda's and have done this with all my cars). Without doing this, you car will start kinda crappy, especially if you have less than 1/4 tank.

Pumping the gas when the key is in accessory, is just putting more fuel into the system. (however, I am not 100% sure about this)

I hope this helps!

driveslow

RIght, it will prime regardless, but issue isnt present when pumping the gas then finally turning the key.

superbean

weak fuel pump or clogged fuel filter

driveslow

I was thinking maybe fuel pump or fuel regulator, but I honestly dont know enough about the start up process to determine the issue. For All I know its a bad starter. Just strange that after a couple pumps its fine.

fireblaze2k1

If it's fine after a few pumps, then it wouldn't be the starter. Start at the fuel filter and work through the fuel system.

driveslow

fuel filter has been replaced because i thought it would resolve the problem but samething after replace fuel filter

hondachris1994

pumping the gas on a fuel injected car will do nothin for u. The ecu controls the fuel on start-up

gourley

You should always turn the key to position II, let it prime, then start it.

driveslow

wont pumping create more fuel pressure

teamworxek9

iTrader: (5)

this is the truth. maybe the in tank filter is clogged but i doubt it. it could have fallen off and the pump is clogged. change out the pump if its the only thing left to do.

driveslow

what about fuel reg. or injectors?

rkcarguy

I'm going to guess that it's either a fuel system problem as stated above, or you have dying/dirty injector(s). What will happen is the injector tip gets dirty and doesn't close completely, while shut off the fuel left in the fuel rail will slowly drain into the engine which causes a crappy cold start with gassy smell. Then because the fuel system lost pressure, it takes a moment for it to build again which causes a momentary lack of fuel on an engine that's basically flooded with gas. Pumping the gas probably gives it a little air and makes it clean out the fuel a little easier...
Remove your injectors and stand them upright in a tuna can or small cup filled with straight techron inj cleaner. Only fill the can up so the metal part of the injector is covered in cleaner-not the plastic part. Let them soak overnight. Usually fixes the problem if it is dirty injectors.