91 Honda civic crx 4cyl - sputtered a little then cut out after a bumpy turn - acts like its not getting gas when trying to restart ? I hear fuel pump prime when I turn the key. wont start now, waited and still wont start. only wouldn't start once before this when the weather started to get colder about a month ago, but I jumped it off think that was a battery problem. gas, water, oil, battery, clutch are all fine, no previous starter problems doesn't seem to be dragging. help !!!!!

 

Is the engine turning over when you try to start it?

 

Pull the distributor cap and confirm that the rotor is still properly secured. Also check the wires to the ignitor while your in there.

 

yes it turns over, I will check distributer

 

Just like jcpiii said, check the rotor. If the screw which holds the rotor in came out the car will not start.

Does it backfire when you try to start it?

Also, check your dizzy cap for any cracks and plug wires.

Have you checked for spark?

 

is the rotor attached to the distributer or the distributer cap?

 

It's attached to the inside of the distributor. It's the round black object which has a metal blade.

Take off the cap, look from the passenger side of the car. If you need a picture google 'honda ignition rotor'

 

Check for spark at the plug wires put a screw driver in one and have someone crank it over hold it like half an inch from metal, if it sparks you've got a fuel problem. If not open up your distributor and check rotor, igniter and coil see where your losing it. If not spark or fuel check timing and compression.

 

Check your fuel pump ground, it goes to the screw by your thermostat. Hondas are pretty fussy about loose grounds. Spent two days trying to figure this one out once. But it could be many other things as well

 

3 Big grounds: Trans to chassis, thermostat, valve cover. Check those. Then check your fuel fitler. They do clog and will stop your car from starting. Smack the starter with a hammer a couple times too. Maybe your starter just died.