I have a 94 Civic with 195K miles on it. Seem like once a year, I have a starting issue with my car. When I turn my key, the engine cranks but it does not start. I can crank the engine for 15-20 sec before turning it off and trying again. I have to do this several times and then I also pump the accelerator (which does not seem to do much). Eventually the engine start but kinda like the old school cars where it struggles before finally starting. In the past, I remember when it finally did start, there was a puff of smoke out of the exhaust. The last few times, it has been in the morning and it is dark outside so don't know if smoke comes out or not.

Howerer this week it has already happened twice which is unusual. Does anyone know what could be the cause and fix for this?

 

I would say check the plugs and then check ur timing.

 

that many miles....have you done maintence?
new fuel pump. spark plugs, distrubutor rotor...etc?
i would do a compressoin test and start with new spark plugs

 

Fuel pump-changed about 50-60K ago
Spark plugs- probably time to change them- Would they cause this issue?
Distributer cap - looks good, no crack- should i still change it?
Timing- Never done that since i don't have the tools for that.

 

Worn spark plugs can cause hard starting most commonly during cold/damp weather climates.
Distributor cap and rotor, if they look fine, they probably are. On the other hand, their cheap and very important. I would change them out in your place if you never have.
If you have never done the timing...you reeaally should on a car that has that many miles...Belts can stretch, belts will eventually break which causes a lot worse problems down the road.

Fuel filter would also be a good thing to change on a vehicle with that many miles.

 

I had this problem but it was b/c I never had gas LoL.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Will change the spark plugs this weekend. Got to find someone to do the timing check.

 

I've seen this problem before.......What part of the country do u live in? is it cold? if so, it condenstion builing up and makes it not start. Almost like it's flooded right?Like the guy before me said a good tune-up and it should be fine....I doudt that the timming is off. Hope this helps