Yeah.. i dunno what's up with my Civic EX.
It's been hard to start when it has a quarter tank of gas or less. It seems to start easiest with half a tank.

Usually i don't even have to press on the throttle, but with less than 1/4 a tank it is getting to be essential.. especially in the morning.

Is this normal? or should i be thinking about fuel pressure issues?

I kept my car at a friend's house for 5 days and started it today.. acted like it was running on 3 cylinders.. sputtering and shaking.. died after about 2 seconds.
Took about 4 tries to get the motor started again.. sputtering and shaking again.. had to open the throttle and it barely started.. kept shaking for another 5 seconds and then acted normal for the rest of the day.. wtf.

The motor has 161k miles on it, runs like a champion, and passes smog with flying colors. any clues?

 

sounds to me like your fuel pump it getting weak....can you still hear it priming up before starting it?

 

My car does that too at 1/4 tank, so when im low and i know im gonna have that issue .... I let it prime and sit for about 5 seconds before starting. Like stated before could be fuel pump getting week. Or injectors need to be cleaned. If you cant do either of these ...... don't let your tank get below 1/2

 

yeah, the fuel pump does prime. i heards it.
I usually don't even let it prime.. whoops.

so, fuel pump, eh?
If it was the fuel filter, i'd be feeling some hesitation at the high end rpms, wouldn't i?

 

have you tried running some seafoam through your tank? and workin on my friends car the other day, we could get it going and stay running with a little starting fluid but wouldnt start by it self, turns out the fuel pump was out.

 

if you have never replaced the fuel filter, its probably a good idea regardless if it the issue or not , damn reminds me i gotta do mine

 

Overall, its normal...
If its hard to start when low, just turn the key to 'ON' for 3-5 seconds before trying to start it....I guarantee it will fire right up.

Your case, however, I suggest getting a reading on fuel pressure. Sounds like the pump to me.
If youre having trouble keeping the car running under load, it may be the system is clogged/dirty.

 

hmm. not having a problem running the car under load, except say, going up a steep hill or otherwise hammering the pedal at low-medium rpm with the air conditioning produces extremely brief, extremely light drops of power every couple seconds.. but it depends on the weather.

Fuel filter hasn't been changed in 30k miles.. but i've been good with putting decent gas in..
I guess i should start there.

thanks for the ideas and tips.

 

Mmk,part of your problem you shouldnt let your car get under 1/3 of a tank.
Inless you going racing and you dont want a heavy tank.

You have to realize when your car gets under 1/3 it starts sucking in all that dirt/grass ect...
When you get gas from a gas station,it isnt 100% clean and it does get dirt and **** in there.

It might not be your problem,just something to think about.

 

hmm, i thought the fuel tank was sealed, even when you're fueling.. otherwise it won't fuel.
you sayin' there's probably enough crap in there that gets stuck in the sock when my fuel is low..
I usually do drive my car pretty low on fuel, hmmmm. yeah.
whatever, i just sold it tonight!$@#

 

Hahahah, that's funny. I guess it's their problem now. But my Mustang has the same problem? I got the fuel filter replaced about 6 months ago too. I'm just curious to find out what it is.

But good look on the sale. Especially since you bought a teg!

 

I'm happy to be rid of the civic, 4 months later. The integra is a much nicer drive and i don't find myself with the foot to the floor all the time just to get power outta it.

The guy who bought it said it was running lean for some reason.. until you hit 3000rpm.. oh well.