Alright, I've got a 2000 Civic Ex with a LS/Vtec. GSR head, Stock engine harness, OBD2 LS dizzy, OBD2b to OBD1 ecu conversion harness, chipped p28. I've had the car over a month now and it's started right up everytime...until today.

Keep in mind prior to this situation I'm about to explain, I've started and driven the car multiple times this same day.

Go to start the car like normal, cranks longer than usual so I stop. Attempt to start it again and it starts right up like normal but then dies maybe 5 seconds later. And it doesnt stumble when it dies, it just dies like I turned the key off.

So I attempt to start it again and it starts right up but dies again. And it only stays running maybe 3-4 seconds this time. Continue this trend a couple more times, starts up then dies a coupe seconds later, starts up then instantly dies. Then it's too the point where it just cranks and cranks and cranks.

So I let the car sit for a few minutes and the cycle starts all over again. I did this cycle 3-4 times. What is going on?! Fuel pump primes everytime, no CELs, I'm at least getting spark when it does start and run. Something doesn't make sense. Any help would be appreciated!!

 

I would start off by verifying that A) you have bright white spark at all four plugs, and B) you have proper fuel pressure for the motor, which I believe is 40-44PSI (I could be wrong, you should check the FSM for testing procedure and specs).

 

Thread titles MUST summarize the tech problem so that members browsing titles can easily understand the problem without reading the post.

 

Ignition doesn't seem to be the problem, at least doesn't make sense why it would be. But fuel pressure maybe, either the pump is dying or fuel filter is clogged...

 

Doesn't hurt to test everything, just to be sure. Both tests are simple, 10 minute, in your drive way tests.

 

Oh I agree, thanks for the input!!

 

Check the fuel pump. Ive seen alot go out in these months including mine in one of my vehicles

 

Ive got a walbro 255 just sitting in my apt, perfect excuse to throw it in. Thanks!!

 

So got the walbro to put in, im thinking maybe fuel filter as well (shell has 186k and it looks like its the stock one), then pull apart the distributer...also been reading some saying it could be the alternator?!

 

Help me out H-T'ers!!! Im searching and searching...its all i can do being stuck at work.

 

Another thng to test is the main relay though I feel it should be fine since the pump is priming...

 

Working Walbro 255 installed, fuel pump ruled out.

Did the main relay click test, clicking like it should and fuel pump primes everytime.

Pulled the plugs after cranking it a few times, they had fuel on them so I'm getting fuel.

Checked for spark, pretty sure I have none....

 

This^ is of no value whatsoever. The only meaningful tests are those done when the engine won't start.

Don't guess. Figure out definitively whether or not there is spark.

If there's no spark, check whether the timing belt snapped.

Also test the mechanical timing and then compression test the cylinders.

Start gathering useful diagnostic information rather than throwing parts at your car.

 

Still waiting for the fuel pressure and spark plug checks I mentioned earlier.

 

I didnt literally mean that I "guess", I literally have no spark whatsoever.

Im not "throwing" parts at my car. I had the 255 just sitting in its box so I just put that in to rule out the fuel pump. It was going in the car anyway.

Mechanical timing is spot on.

Useful Diagnostic Info as stated above: Fuel pump replaced. Main relay operating as it should. Mechanical timing is right on. No CEL. Pulled plugs...thay had fuel on them, cylinders are getting fuel. Tested for spark, no spark with the screwdriver trick, no spark from the spark plug as well. (Yes I grounded the plug in various places, no spark)

Swapping dizzy and plugs tonight.

Not sure on fuel pressure yet. I have no spark as stated above.

 

Why are you replacing the distributor? That's back to throwing parts at it.

Check whether the coil and ICM get voltage. If not, check fuse 9.

If there's voltage, test the coil and ICM. If one of these is bad, it may be unnecessary to replace the entire distributor.

 

Ok, Found instructions to test the coil and ICM via your FAQ link, now they are for a 96-00 civic but I assume they will work for my obd2 LS dizzy as well correct?

 

Should be the same. Did you check for voltage?

AutoZone will usually test the ICM for you.

 

No not yet, at work. I should be able to perform the tests myself as soon as im off.

 

Ive got power to the distributer. Coil looked new, checked the resistance after letting it sit in my apartment for a few hours, checked out within spec.

You say Autozone can check the ICM?

 

You are saying that you have no spark for sure? Check the ICM and the ECU, see if the signal is being sent. You should be able to test this with a friend using the signal wire and a multimeter, where you check the power on the signal wire while the car is being cranked.

 

ICM was the problem!! Switched it out and fired right up!! Thanks for all the help!!

 

figured. glad you got it fixed