So here's my story:

I have a 1991 Honda Civic DX. I recently replaced my radiator (and all of its hoses) because it died on me, but while I was replacing it I accidentally leaned into the distributor cap with my hand and broke it off. I knew it was cheap though, so I didn't worry and replaced the cap. When I turned on the car, it was working but seemed to be a bit quiet. The more I drove it, the longer it took to start up the car. Then it got to a point where I would have to turn my keys, and rev the engine in order for it to start up. Now, it completely won't start up. Everytime I turn the keys, I hear it try to start up but then there's this *clunk clunk* sound and the engine stops. I thought I had a bad distributor cap, so I bought another one, and replaced the rotor and ignition coil while I was at it. After replacing those things, my car still won't start up. Anyone have a clue to what's up with my car?!

Some problems I have yet to fix:
-Oil leaking into one of my spark plug holes.
-Brake replacement due.

Things I've recently done to my car:
-Air filter change
-Oil filter and oil change
-Fuel filter change
-Replaced radiator, radiator hoses, and reservoir tank
-Replaced ignition coil, rotor, and distributor cap.

Help please.

 

Have you looked at the spark plugs yet?

 

"ain't got no gas in it"

Have you checked to see if you're getting spark from your plugs?

 

you probably have bad grounds around the ignitor or coil or other grounds in that area...

open the cap make sure there is no scaring from the rotor on the underside ...

Make sure the little thingy in the center of the cap with a spring that contacts the rotor is in good condition.. those things snap off if you don't put the cap on exactly straight.

Look for anything lose.. look for gray powder around the coil which can be hard to see but it means a burnt coil .. check any ground wires or harness connections in that area..

 

Thanks for the response guys. How do I check if I'm getting spark from my plugs?

 

I had the same problem. things you might want to check before spending money.
1)check for spark (place a screw driver inside the spark wires and lay it over the radiator support crank it and see if sparks)
2)check if your receiving fuel. (on the manifold under the fuel rail are 3 bolts unscrew them pull the rail with injectors out and crank it. see if each injector shoots gas out in an order)
3)check if your timing belt is lose(remove the cover of the timing belt and tug on it and remove it from the gear or try to stretch it over on extra teeth on the cam gear)
4) check to see If your throttle body is working (remove your intake system that connects to the manifold its self place your hand over it and crank it. see if it sucks your hand meaning its working )
5) check your compression.

next check your wireing inside.
1)check your ECU might be fried. and also check CEL codes. then go back to the engine bay and correct them.
2) check your main relay (could be fried open it and see if it needs to be soldering )
3) turn your ignition and quietly hear If your fuel pump kicks in(should hear a priming noise)


this should help out somewhat.


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check your firing order and check rotor for damage also, might not have been apparent at the time.


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timing light on the plug wire will tell you if its getting spark

or you can stick it to your tongue and have someone crank the engine heh

if the problem started after something you did .. then thats the area to check ... you don't need to be worrying about the timing belt and your muffler donuts .. its something in the distributor area most likely .. unless you had 3 things go bad all at once which is .. less likely

 

it is a Honda after all

 

hi guys newbie here.
My Car is doing the same thing, but mine seems to do it once iv driven it for even just 1 mile. So cant go anywhere and shut my car off cause yesterday for example, i was stuck at a gas station for 5 hours until it decided to just turn back on.
?

 

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I was planning on changing my spark plugs and wires anyways so I will replace those and let you guys know. I am also going to fix the leaking in the plug holes.