1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 02:09 PM
  #1  
BolivianFuego's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 0
From: usa
Default 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

Hey guys,

I have no idea what it is, and lately i havent had much time to diagnose it beyond thinking about it while driving to school/taking my other car.

My little red hatch has lasted me 3 years since buying it with 110k miles, sincce then until now, i noticed i had trouble with it starting up. I assumed it to be the starter, so i replaced that. But now it still gives me the same issues, it will crank crank crank and not turn over. The wierd part is it normally only happens now (after changing the starter) when it rains the night before or its raining at the time.

Another wierd part is, when it give me trouble like this for days, out of no where i'll go and start it, and without hesitation literaly as soon as i turn the key a little it fires up...

I have no idea what it could be. Could it be the distributor?

Also out of nowhere it shakes hard at low RPMs when driving say in 4th(highest gear) going 35mph. I think it may be a broken motor mount, and dont know if its related to this... i doubt it but still wanted to put it up.

Any of you guys have any ideas what it could be?

Any help would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 02:14 PM
  #2  
sde780's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 1
From: Norcal
Default Re: 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

I'm thinking distributor
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 03:27 PM
  #3  
honda.lioness's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 4
Default Re: 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

Ditto. Replace the distributor cap, for starters. Use only OEM for Honda ignition parts. They pay for themselves with longevity. When was the last time the car had a full-tuneup?
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 05:48 PM
  #4  
BolivianFuego's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 0
From: usa
Default Re: 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

^^I have no idea. I bought the car as is from some dude who got it at an auction with 110k miles.


Yea im thinking of changing the plugs, cap and rotor, spark plug wires.

Is there a write up how to change out the stuff for the distributor? LOL im a newb when it comes to stuff like this, i did a k swap but im scared shitless of changing a distribtuor since i never done it lol.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 06:03 PM
  #5  
b18cKoupe's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Default Re: 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

Originally Posted by BolivianFuego
^^I have no idea. I bought the car as is from some dude who got it at an auction with 110k miles.


Yea im thinking of changing the plugs, cap and rotor, spark plug wires.

Is there a write up how to change out the stuff for the distributor? LOL im a newb when it comes to stuff like this, i did a k swap but im scared shitless of changing a distribtuor since i never done it lol.
I had the same exact problem on my 99 civic with a gsr engine. Once in a while it wouldnt start when it was really humid or raining out. Changed the cap and rotor and haven't had a problem since. From what I gathered it's due mainly to moisture getting past the cap seal and into the dizzy, although the rotor and cap it turns out were pretty worn. Very easy to change, phillips screwdriver and 10 minutes is all you need.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 06:51 PM
  #6  
BolivianFuego's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 0
From: usa
Default Re: 1990 Civic DX: Car has trouble/won't start if its wet out

Anyone got part numbers? Or will the generic auto parts stuff work?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
khabibul35
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
2
Sep 17, 2014 08:37 PM
mynameizstitch
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
3
Mar 17, 2012 10:55 AM
BolivianFuego
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
9
Nov 8, 2010 07:51 PM
23sohc
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
1
Feb 6, 2009 11:54 AM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:59 AM.