i have been driving my 89 civic 4 door dx for about 3 months now. every now and then it wont start up, it will crank over but wont start. so i have to sit there for a few min untill it feels like starting. i just put a new fuel pump in it about 2 months ago thinking that would correct the problem, but $179 later, same thing let me know what you think

 

Check grounding, check spark plugs, check the sylinders for fuel.

Basically the car needs three things to ignite.

Fuel,
Pressure,
Air.

Check these things first. These are basically the easiest things to check as well.

 

make sure ur main relay is clicking over.. those go out.. mine did the same thing.. just bought a new relay

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89_Mangina_SI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">make sure ur main relay is clicking over.. those go out.. mine did the same thing.. just bought a new relay</TD></TR></TABLE>


ok, dont kill me for asking this but where is the main relay located, is it in the outer fuse box or the interior fuse box, and how do i make sure it is working?

also is it normal for them to work somtimes and then not work somtimes?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by classciv &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ok, dont kill me for asking this but where is the main relay located, is it in the outer fuse box or the interior fuse box, and how do i make sure it is working?

also is it normal for them to work somtimes and then not work somtimes?</TD></TR></TABLE>

ok i got out my chilton, it shows that the main relay is under the dash to my left, but still how do i check to see if it is working or not?

 

If it clicks, it works. You could also measure resistance and volts. Without beeing able to tell you what to look for.

 

yes it is normal for them to work somtimes and not others.. mine used to mess up when it was hot or righ after i filled up a full tank... u can hear it click or put ur hand on it when u turn the key

 

There is a DIY main relay fix posted a few places online. Basically, take it apart, take a close look at all the solder joints. If any of them look cracked or loose, resolder them.
Worth checking out, at least.

 

i also have a parts car, would it be worth it just to swap the relay? opinions on that

 

ok i swaped the main relay out of a parts car, we will see what it does in the next week or so

 

will it not start when its cold? I see you live in PA and I hear it gets pretty nippy out there.