While we were on vacation my wifes 91 civic lx (sedan auto trans) died as soon about 1 mile from our destination. While we were driving all of a sudden it just stopped running. I thought it was the alternator because that has happened before, but the lights did not dim and the battery still had a full charge when i tried restarting it a few minutes later. I also tried jumping it. After parking it for a few days in the nearest parking lot, I went and looked at it. It would turn over normally but would never start, there was a funny noise coming from the fuel tank, like a clunk and bang and grinding noise which led me to believe it was the fuel pump. No parts stores or mechanics in the area were able to get parts, nor was it reasonably priced for them to replace the fuel pump, so we towed it home...last night I spent 4 hours replacing the fuel pump, turned the key a few times to prime it, and it still will not start. The funny thing is that when i spray starter fluid in the intake, it will start and run roughly for a few seconds. I have a new fuel filter but have not put it in yet. also, the cams are moving when it's being cranked to the timing belt is not broken, though is it common for these cars to jump a tooth and throw off the timing?
I'm really annoyed because all the other things that have gone wrong on this car I have been able to diagnose and fix within a matter of a few hours.
Any help would be awesome.

 

sounds like its not getting fuel. can you hear the pump priming? could be the main relay.

 

the main relay is a common problem in 88-91 civics. i have personally never had one go bad in any of my efs, but it sounds like that is your problem.

i would search for a thread on main relay and read what diagnostic checks people are doing.

good luck