This is a very complex problem I've been having and I need some help diagnosing it.

Symptoms:

The car will start fine, but after a short drive, and then being parked for a few minutes, it will not start or stalls on the first start. This has happened a lot at gas stations after filling up. I then have to wait a few minutes and try try again (usually giving it gas) until it decides it wants to start. Sometimes it will start then die as I give it gas.

Other Noteable Issues:

Minor exhaust leak somewhere between exhaust manifold and cat.

I notice the coolant reservoir gets low very quickly and I have to top it off.


Have replaced the following components:

O2 sensor
Distributor Cap
Rotor
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug wires
Ignition Coil
Recently had CEL 6 - I replaced the ECT sensor and CEL is gone.

No CEL codes showing up, but it will not start on occasion. The only other component I can think of is the igniter inside the distributor.

I am baffled any help for a noob like me?

 

have you checked your compression?

 

Main Relay!!!!

solders crack,
gets hot and separates
and no more continuity to fuel pump

happened to me awhile back

could not be the problem but hondas are notorious for the main relay, and symptoms are what u describe

 

I have not checked compression.

I've read a little on the main relay, the symptoms do sound the same. I pulled it out and took a few cell-quality pictures. Not sure what to look for, there is a browinish stain all over, other than that the solders look decent??

 

It does sound like a main relay. Test it. Replace it.

 

if you have a multimeter get a manual and test the points but usually the cracks are smaller than the eye can see. like frankenghia said test it. or replace it

 

The brown stuff is just flux, its used to help the solder stick better.

 

Main Relay....

In 1999...I had a crx that had the same probably. Drive the car to the store, go inside....3 mins later go out, and no start.... drive to school, let the car sit for 3 hours...it'd fire right up.

I replaced, and replaced and replaced parts trying to solve it...even took it to Honda 3 separate times and spent 1000+ for it to keep happening. Then I found out about the main relay. 10 mins later and $40 bucks...and all my problems went away.

 

Where would be the best place to purchase an OEM one? Part #?

Unless the ones at Advanced Auto are good enough.

 

got mine from autozone for 40 bucks been good for year no problems at all.

 

http://techauto.awardspace.com/civicrelay.html

 

I see a couple bad joints on there. Let me know if you want me to point them out. I just re-soldered a couple of these yesterday, one of them wouldn't prime the pump, and it had the same bad joints as yours.

And the brown coating isn't exactly flux it's a protective coat (smells like pine when burned). Scrub it lightly with a wire brush and acetone and it will come off, if you want to re-solder it.

 

Sure, you can point them out. Won't hurt to re-solder them and see if it solves my problem before I purchase one.