Supercharged & Hard To Start
 

I have a question. I'm currently borrowing my roommate's car since he is going away for a while. He told me that I could drive it for now he will be away for a while & I need to commute to go to work.

He is the 2nd owner of this 1997 Civic EX. When he purchased it, the car was already modified. It still have the original D-series engine but it's already supercharged with Jackson Racing kit. It also have an AEM fuel rail & an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator.

For the past 2-3 weeks, I'm having problem to start the engine every morning or everytime the car is sitting for few hours. I have to crank it few times. When it starts, it starts really weak then it shuts off again. I have to re-start the car again. After few times then the engine will stay on but if I open the throttle even for a little bit, the engine will die again. I have to let the engine sits there for few minutes to run normally.

Also, I know this is hard to explain but I'm gonna try my best. You know how when you starting your engine, you put the key in, turn it all the way, & once the engine starts, you let go. Well, I have to hold it with my hand for a little bit for the engine to starts. It's hard to explain.

Any input on why the engine is so hard to start every morning? The fuel tank is full. We only put 93 octane gas in there.

Any input would really appreciated. Thank you.

Is it cranking over weak?

Have you looked at basic stuff?
ie. battery, dizzy rotor, dizzy cap, spark plugs, wires?

Thanks a lot for a quick reply. I really appreciate that.

Well, the engine is cranking normally. It's not weak. I already checked the battery, the spark plugs, & everything. They are fine. As of a matter of fact, the battery & everything you mentioned has just been replaced few weeks ago. Probably only putting about 100-200 miles at the most.

Re: Supercharged & Hard To Start (HondaH22A)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HondaH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a question. I'm currently borrowing my roommate's car since he is going away for a while. He told me that I could drive it for now he will be away for a while & I need to commute to go to work.

He is the 2nd owner of this 1997 Civic EX. When he purchased it, the car was already modified. It still have the original D-series engine but it's already supercharged with Jackson Racing kit. It also have an AEM fuel rail & an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator.

For the past 2-3 weeks, I'm having problem to start the engine every morning or everytime the car is sitting for few hours. I have to crank it few times. When it starts, it starts really weak then it shuts off again. I have to re-start the car again. After few times then the engine will stay on but if I open the throttle even for a little bit, the engine will die again. I have to let the engine sits there for few minutes to run normally.

Also, I know this is hard to explain but I'm gonna try my best. You know how when you starting your engine, you put the key in, turn it all the way, & once the engine starts, you let go. Well, I have to hold it with my hand for a little bit for the engine to starts. It's hard to explain.

Any input on why the engine is so hard to start every morning? The fuel tank is full. We only put 93 octane gas in there.

Any input would really appreciated. Thank you. </TD></TR></TABLE>

it fuel pump....did you check it?? make sure all good ground... same mine happen.. open throttle little .. engine just go die again... because fuel not coming into engine that when you open throttle... it's go die again.. then again..

Re: Supercharged & Hard To Start (civicH22TypeS)
 

X2 - the fuel pump.

its your dizzy.

Re: Supercharged & Hard To Start (HondaH22A)
 

i think it's you fuel pump and check your fuel filter.

Thanks guys for all your input. I will check the fuel pump & the fuel filter during the week. I appreciate all your input.

Re: (types conversion)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by types conversion &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its your dizzy.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Care to explain?

Re:
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HondaH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> It also have an AEM fuel rail & an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator. </TD></TR></TABLE>

What kind of fuel pressure is that aftermarket FPR delivering? Maybe you're running way too much pressure and the engine is running way too rich. Of course the ECU is going to dump the most fuel when you start the car, plus if the intake air is cold on a crisp day (not sure where you're from), then that will also contribute to more fuel.

Stock injectors? What sort of engine management?

I'm not sure which brand is the aftermarket FPR. I did see this morning when I started the car, the gauge says 45psi (as far as I remember). Is that a correct psi?

As for the injector, I'm not sure if the injector has been upgraded or not. My friend bought the car with all the mods already.

I also noticed that the engine is idling higher than normal. The engine idle at about 1200RPM.

Re: (HondaH22A)
 

I think the fuel pressure is a little high for a D16 with no load on the engine.

Is that 1200 rpm idle when the engine is warm?

Yea, the 1200RPM is the idle speed when the engine is warm.

What's the proper psi for a D16 engine without any load?

Yea, the 1200RPM is the idle speed when the engine is warm.

What's the proper psi for a D16 engine without any load?

Re: (HondaH22A)
 

Sorry, don't have a helms in front of me, but I think it's about 38-40 psi. Someone please correct me.