I was having to crank my 1992 with 300,000 miles a bit longer than normal so I replaced plugs, cap, and rotor. After seeing these plugs:


I thought for sure I had found the problem. It does seem to have improved a bit with one exception. It is taking 5 or 6 attempts to fire when I am down to a couple of gallons of petrol. This is in a car that has, untill recently, started in about 1/2 a second. A co-worker had a similar problem in a 1996 Civic, so I am wondering if this is a common problem. At this milage, new injectors or a fuel pump may be in order, but how is this affected only by low fuel level? Anyone care to speculate or offer their personal experiences that are related? Sincere thanks.


Modified by conker at 6:55 AM 6/21/2006


Modified by conker at 6:56 AM 6/21/2006


Modified by conker at 6:56 AM 6/21/2006


Modified by conker at 6:56 AM 6/21/2006

 

My car is the same way, it's normal I believe. Whenever I have a decent amount of gas it starts in 2 cranks. If it's on E or close to it, it'll take an extra couple of cranks. My car only ha 190,000 KMs on it.

 

when my engine is cold is does take about 2-3 seconds of cranking over to get it started regardless of what my fuel level is...I have noticed in the past with this honda and as well as the 2 civics I previously owned that when the fuel level gets low it does take longer for the engine to start even if the engine is still warm so maybe it IS normal I'm thinking.

 

whenever i get low on fuel, to avoid the long cranking i just key the access. 2-3 times to make sure sufficient pressure is in the fuel system.

 

Thanks to all for the input, but unfortunately it is still being difficult, even with a full tank. I will start tracing my way back, starting with the fuel filter, then injectors if that does not work. Symptoms are pretty specific:

- Sitting over-night and it almost fires-up, but just misses.
- then it takes 5-6 attempts before it catches
- then idles fine

I drive for even just a few minutes, shut it off for the bank or what-not, and it starts like a champ. Strange. Thanks again.

 

you have an electric fuel pump, hold you key in the on posistion (when all is on and all there is left to turn is to crank the car) and leave it there with the lights and stuff going on for about 5 seconds, then try to start it

 

have your injectors cleaned in one of those whatsitathingamajig...hamonic??? 300.xxx miles!!! WTG or..change your fuel filter......

 

Have you checked the Compression?

 

I have not done a compression test. Oil consumption is less than 1/2 quart over 5,000 miles, I didn't consider this excessive considering the milage. Is your suggestion based on the difficulty with cold starts but not warm? I am no engine guru, but is it possible the valve seats are worn, allowing oil to contaminate the chambers overnight? I have a new fuel filter in hand, which it is overdue for, so I will give that a try. Does anyone have any tips for the install, or just follow the helms/haynes? I have also tried turning the key and waiting for the system to pressurize and it seems to make no difference. Thanks for the feedback.