i have a 98 civic lx that has me thrown for a loop. the car has been running fine then all of a sudden doesnt like to start after being driven. you have to pump the gas and pump the gas to get it started. Now it seems that it fires right up after sitting for a long period of time. however after being driven for a while it doesnt want to start at all just cranks and cranks. i have replace distributor, plugs, wires, fuel filter. needless to say im stumped. its almost as if the motor gets flooded and wont start. could the ect have anything to do with this thinking the motor is constantly at a different temp and flooding the motor when i try to start it hot? the main relay seems to function properly and i hear the fuel pump each time. I think im stumbling upon an easy fix (atleast i hope) just cant figure it out.

 

Yes the ECT sensor may be the problem, if A/F ratio is rich when trying to start a warm engine, it will be very hard to start, normally you would see very poor gas mileage if that is the problem.

Have you tried pulling codes, even if the CEL is not on check to see if there are any codes.

Also would be a good idea to check fuel pressure when engine is at running temp., both the PGM-FI Main Relay and fuel pump are **** to heat failure.

The PGM-FI Main Relay is a common problem on older Honda/Acura, bad contacts at the fuel pump relay or fuel injector relay can cause problems once warmed up.94

 

Cap/rotor/. Oil in cylinders

 

fuel pump is my guess