I just recently replaced most components on my civic. only things I haven't changed is the alternator and fuel pump. I tried starting my car after 3 days of not driving it. it cranked but didn't start. sat in it for a little while and tried it again. it started, ran for a minute then shut off. This happened 3 more times. I pumped the gas and as soon as I let off of it, it went dead. there is a heavy gas smell. I changed the distributor before any of this happened. I have no idea what it could be. please help!

 

You should work on trying to figure out where the heavy gas smell is coming from. You may have low fuel pressure.

 

it only lasts a few minutes then it went away. would it be the fuel pump most likely then?

 

Its a possibility.

How I would check with out getting technical is..


Put your key in and turn it to the last position. If you watch your check engine light it will turn on and off. It clicks when turning on, and then when it turns off. At the same time the CEL comes on for a few seconds you can hear your fuel pump whining or priming.

Listen for the fuel pump near the middle of the back seat.

If you can't decide what sound you are listening to or what ever,

There is a rubber fuel line from the fuel filter to the fuel rail. You can break the line loose from either end with your trusty wrench. You should then turn the key to the (III) position. (All the way but dont start).

You should then! Get in your car and turn you key back and forth so that the CEL comes on and off a few times, you should be able to hear your fuel pump come on each time. This is known as the pump priming in my book.

Get out and check to see if gas has sprayed everywhere from the line you unbolted. If it has your fuel pump is functioning but could be possibly not putting enough pressure to the fuel rail.

You can get technical by getting a helms manual+ multimeter and taking your back seat apart to test the wiring to the fuel pump.

This is a very nontechnical way to do so and is not professional.

 

So how would I get the fuel pump to give good pressure again?

 

New Pump

i had a car do this turned out i had a Ton of rust in my fuel tank that clogged the fuel filer.

had to get a new tank, pump, filter and injectors

 

I'm not ruling out the pump but RARELY do they go out. I'd lean more to an ignition component such as the coil or igniter (ICM). Test both of them according to the FAQ and report back your findings.

 

I'll test everything today. Thank you guys for all your help! Really appreciate it. Should've joined this forum long ago

 

Update! I just tested my fuel pump like you suggested. It does spray gas out of the hose no problem. I'm going to test the ignition coil now.

 

Igniter. If it starts when cold, then stalls and does not start hot, it is igniter.

 

I'm having it taken to a shop tomorrow. The whole distributor is under a 6 month warranty. Just gonna have them take a look at it

 

Have you checked for spark at all 4 plugs?

CEL codes?

 

so I got everything checked out and it ended up being my crank sensor. it wasn't out but it was faulty. I'd just want to thank you all for your help again everyone!

 

Great! Another happy honda and honda owner.