My car is a stock '91 CRX HF. Two days ago it was sputtering, with almost no power, although once the RPM's were high enough (too high for normal driving, actually), it seemed to be okay. But drive in the normal gear, or hit the throttle hard, and no power. Yesterday it was back to normal. Today it won't start at all. Turns over fine, but no fire.

Now, I've had the sputtering problem before (two or three years ago), and I fixed it with new spark cables. But this is the first time it's ever been dead. I wouldn't think that would be a bad cable, more like a fuel pump issue. But then again, I'm no expert...that's why I'm posting here!

My wife's out of town, so I'm stranded (at home, luckily) until I can fix this. I'll be grateful for any help.

Edit: I really can't imagine how this would be relevant, but I had to change the front right tire the day before this started.

 

Is your check engine light on?
Any recent work done to the car?
When was your last tune up?

Are your power and ground cables in good condition?
(Check all ground cables - there are several)

Ever replace the distributor or any of it's components (ignitor)?
Ever replace the main relay?

 

Sounds like could be bad ignition coil in the dizzy..

 

agree...

check for spark @ the plugs and work your way backwards until you find spark. If no spark, yet the ignitor is getting the signal to fire, then replace dizzy. If no signal to fire, then check the crank position sensor (easy way to check is to look at the tach signal while cranking, you should see >400 rpm). if you have spark, then time to look at the main relay and see if your fuel pump is getting voltage.

 

Check the rotor on the distributor shaft - i've seen these types of problems on several civics due to a loose rotor.

Dave

 

First thing you gotta do is check for spark. If you do have good spark then you likely have a fuel related issue. the fuel pump can cause your car to sputter like that. have you ever replaced the fuel filter?

 

If the rotor is slipping on the distributor shaft - you will have spark - it will just be occurring at the wrong time... not by much or the engine would not run - which appears to be the problem here.

Symptoms are goofy running problems, then it stops running as the tiny screw in the distributor rotor loosens more.

Since the engine ran somewhat better with throttle, that indicates the advance for higher revs was adjusting the timing a bit. Then, as the rotor hold down screw worked it's way out the motor quit running altogether.

I had a second one let go in a ''91 si going seventy and the backfire lifted the whole rear end off the ground as it blew off the muffler! (first time i thought the timing belt had broken - very similar symptoms)

Most likely lots of "i need a new distributor" situations are this loose rotor problem, it's very common.

Dave

 

Maybe ur timing belt slipped you can check if ur rotor is on #1 while crank pully is lined up but other than that check for spark/fuel