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Hard to start when the fuel is low.

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Old 03-01-2009, 10:21 AM
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Default Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Hi.

I've got a hard starting problem when the gas is low. The engine is stared but I have to keep to turn the ignition key for 3~5 seconds or turning twice. However when the gas is over the 1/3, it starts normally. I put the fuel injector cleaners about 3 times but that dosen't too. What's going on the engine?

Thanks.
Old 03-01-2009, 10:24 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

check your fuel pump and fuel filter.
Old 03-01-2009, 10:26 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

yea my dx does it to.
if i put the key in poition 2 and let it sit for a couple seconds after it stops beeping i can normally start it on first try, but sometimes it takes 2 trys.
Old 03-01-2009, 10:26 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

it might be the fuel pump with it being that low it works harder
Old 03-01-2009, 10:35 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

fuel pump is the answer.
Old 03-01-2009, 11:04 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

my old civic did this and i replaced the fuel filter and it went away.
it very well could be the fuel pump but it's best to try the fuel filter first since it's like $15.
Old 03-01-2009, 12:55 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

I would check your fuel delivery sounds like you need to get a new fuel filter or fuel pump.
Old 03-01-2009, 01:07 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

It sounds like fuel filter and pump issues.

Thanks guys.
Old 03-01-2009, 03:51 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

start with you fuel filter and work your way back, most likely its your filter. it gets clogged and when you turn the pump on (prime it) you stirr up salredy in the filter and the fuel from the tank is bringing up more sediment.
Old 03-01-2009, 04:00 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

I think it is time to replace the filter. My civic has 136k on it.

Should I buy the OEM filter which is $33? Or $20 at the Autozone.

Thanks.

Last edited by hermtm2; 03-01-2009 at 04:47 PM.
Old 03-01-2009, 08:01 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

when ever you can use oem.
Old 03-02-2009, 08:42 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Is it good idea to put Seaform into fuel tank before the old filter is placed? I think the inside of tank should be cleaned up anyhow.

Thanks.
Old 03-02-2009, 10:54 AM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

I'm not sure if this is the same problem you are having, but you might want to read this thread from another Civic forum.
Old 03-02-2009, 12:50 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

lol, of course it hard to start when fuel is low, that why you keep it full, or half way,
Old 03-02-2009, 12:56 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

That is why "you" keep it full or half way not me.

Thanks.
Old 03-02-2009, 03:10 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Originally Posted by denso
lol, of course it hard to start when fuel is low, that why you keep it full, or half way,
if you have gas, the car should start no problem.
your statement isn't a solution to the problem, it's a way around the problem.
Old 04-08-2009, 04:45 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

I replaced the fuel filter and then tested for 1 month. It still has problem. Is it time to replace the pump now?
Old 04-08-2009, 04:48 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

the pump or on the pump theirs a screen. replace the screen.
Old 04-08-2009, 05:21 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

This is a pretty well know civic/integra problem. Saw it all the time when i was still a mechanic. sometimes the fuel filter will do it but if i remember correctly... what it really is.. your gas tank is normally higher then your fuel lines... so when the gas is low there is less gravity therefore... when you shut your car off... the is no gravity to keep the fuel in its place in the fuel lines so the pump has to bring it all the way back up the motor after sitting for periods of time. its kinda like in drag racing.. some people put their gas cells in the trunk mainly so their car starts right away and it makes for a more efficient fuel delivery.


edit
you said you have an evap leak.... that means your fuel system is leaking somewhere. well im sure youve put a straw in water and pull it out of the cup with your finger on the end. thats kinda like the fuel system in a way. if you have a leak (aka taking your finger off the straw) the fuel will go with gravity therefore... it goes down since your gas tank is lover then your fuel rail
Old 04-08-2009, 05:32 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Do you think it is a leaking problem? I don't know but I haven't seen any leak sign on the floor of my garage. How can I find the leak? Should I go to the shop?

Thanks.
Old 04-08-2009, 05:35 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

no, not a fuel leak. its an evap leak. your fuel system really shouldnt have much air in it. but somewhere your system is taking in air. alot of times its a gas cap. youd be surprised how many people think they have a huge problem when its really their gas cap has worn out. other then that there are evap lines that run to the front of your car and into the manifold or other places. can remember exact. maybe someone can chime in and tell where they go... then you can look for cracked or dryrotted evap lines as well
Old 04-08-2009, 05:44 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Thanks a lot.
Old 04-08-2009, 05:50 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

no problem. im not one to flame and give a hard time. i see your new to the forum so... to protect you from people that like to give a hard time.... search the forums a little more because i know this subject has been covered many times. if you find the problem let us know so people in the future can find the cure
Old 04-08-2009, 06:17 PM
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Default Re: Hard to start when the fuel is low.

Don't you think the pump is bad? Right?
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