I have a 81 civic sedan.

This starter issue happens very intermittently. It's also totally random when it will happen. I replaced the entire starter and solenoid, thinking that by replacing the original, I would fix a solenoid getting stuck, worn brushes or other worn parts in the starter etc.

Sadly, this didn't cure the problem. It is randomly still happening!

When it does happen, I can just turn the car off and then crank it again. 9 times out of 10 the starter doesn't keep spinning and I drive away just fine. But it is bothering me and I'm trying to figure out what is going on.

Coupled with this (and now I'm thinking that the 2 may be related). It also is sometimes getting very hard to start. This is also extremely intermittent. Sometimes it cranks for a fraction of a second and turns over, sometimes, like this morning, I have to crank it multiple times, sometimes for like 30 seconds slowly tapping the gas. When this happens I can hear it trying to turn over repeatedly, but it just won't do it. When I get it to start I really have to tap the gas repeatedly to get it up and going. At these points I have to coax it up out of a slow rumble. Again, it's all over the place, and often will start up like it's a brand new car.

Things already replaced/done while trying to figure this out... new plugs/wires/timing. New fuel pump. New fuel filter. Carb completely tuned, and new egr valve (in addition to the new starter motor/solenoid). Getting a tad frustrated at this point.

Bad ignition switch? Something else electrical?

Thanks a lot.

 

Replace the electrical switch attached to the back of the ignition switch. There is probably enough dirt / wear that the contacts are intermitantly touching.

I have not checked but it may still be available from Honda. Try here http://www.bernardiparts.com/Honda-Parts.aspx

 

Hey realred, thanks for the tip. At this point, I've pulled the solenoid wire while this is happening and it stopped spinning. So it is definitely in the electrical leading to the solenoid.

I looked around trying to figure out what the switch attached to the back of the ignition switch might be called, but can only find links to buy the ignition switch in it's entirety. Does it have a name?

Also, the radio sometimes doesn't know that the car is on (also completely randomly) and won't turn on. Also ig. switch related? Thanks!

 

You are right, it sure is just the ignition switch. I replaced one on my sister in law's 82 civic back in the day and I swear it was just the back part of the ignition switch. Apparently Honda had a bunch of problems with the ignition switch back then. You may want to call a sympathetic Honda dealer and see if there were any service bulletins on your car concerning the switch. There may be a P/N for it that does not show up on the parts listing for the car. Possibly Advance Auto etc has a cheaper alternative?