xXViperXx

98 civic ex 5spd. The car cranks but won't start.

The car ran great but I bought another car and didn't drive it through the months of October - December. Once during that time I started it and it started fine.

There is 3/4 tank of gas in the car.

I checked spark by putting a flat head in the spark plug wire and it sparked from the screwdriver to a bolt.

I pulled the spark plugs out after I tried to start it a few times. They smelled a bit like gas. The strange thing was they came out with little to no resistance so I just put them back and tightened them down. I wonder if they loosened because of how cold it's been?

I put a good battery in the car and it still cranks and won't turn over.

The belts rotated when I attempted to start the car.

The fuel pump primes as normal, did not sound different at all.

What do you think the next thing I do is?

1991_crxsi

iTrader: (1)

Change plugs and change dizzy cap and rotor... cross fingers and crank it up.

slomofo

iTrader: (1)

This sounds unconventional, but give it a shot.


Remove spark plugs.
Pour a tiny amount of oil into each cylinder, like about as much as a teaspoon's worth.
Put new plugs in.

Get in the car, turn the key to the ON position, but don't start, wait about 5 seconds.
Turn ignition OFF and then ON again for another 5 seconds.
Now crank the engine over.

Does it start? If it does, it'll smoke for about 2 minutes.

xXViperXx

Definitely unconventional but it won't hurt to try. Before I do, could you advise why this route?

xXViperXx

Cap and rotor replaced, no start, still cranks. Tried the oil as well in the cylinders and still nothing.

A friend of mine thinks it might be the engine crank sensor, but I don't know much about it or if it fails the car won't start.

lostforawhile

you may have to drain the gas, the **** they call gas today absorbs water like crazy, and the water sinks to the bottom, chances are there is a layer of water that the pump sock is sitting in, it's probably in your filter now too, it's called phase separation, all it takes is a couple of teaspoons of water and the ethanol and water will end up on the bottom of the tank and the remaining fuel floating on top,

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Is the CEL on? Does it work? What color is your spark? How much fuel pressure do you have when measured at the filter? Basic crank/no start diagnostics.

lostforawhile

90 days is about the maximum limit for corn gas to sit before you have issues

Former User

These^

Check for CEL codes and test spark quality using a spare spark plug. Click the Spark link in my signature.

xXViperXx

No CEL light and it does work. I haven't yet checked fuel pressure at the filter but will do so. I'll also look at your link, Ron, and see how it goes.

The spark I saw when I used the screwdriver was orange.

I know on an EG there is a plug on the gas tank where I can drain the gas from, but is that also the case with an EK?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Orange spark = weak spark.

92ehatch

Test the spark by pulling a plug and grounding it to the chassis (laying it on the valve cover works)

Now what color is the spark

slomofo

iTrader: (1)

Because your cylinder walls are dry and there isn't enough compression to start which will usually result in gas soaked cylinders that makes it even worse.

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SequoiaHonda

Probably bad gas and may have to replace the fuel filter as well.