just bough a civic ex for 900 bucks yesterday knowing it was not running. the engine is the 1.6, not the vtec. it was too stiff to turn over with the starter so i took my breaker bar and put it to the crankshaft and got it spinning. after that it cranked and it would pop like it wanted to start but it wouldnt. no check engine lights or codes. timing belt is good, it has spark, it is getting fuel, the spark plug wires look brand new, the cap looks new. it has a cold air intake as well. not sure what the deal is. i thought it mite be bad gas considering it was sitting for a while. i sprayed some starter fluid in it and still the same results. it is a manual and it has 133000 miles on it. any help would be much appreciated.

 

Do a compression test.

 

Have you check if the dizzy is put on correctly? Also is your fuel pump turning on? if it is turning on maybe check fuel line at the fuel filter to make sure fuel is actually getting to the rail?

 

sorru just saw you did check for fuel.

 

Try actually looking at the spark plugs not just assuming they're new based on the condition of the wires.

IV also heard that the civics like flipper's have a common problem with fuel injectors. I dunno maybe they're not vaporizing the gas so it wont run?

 

What engine and ECU? Does the CEL work or did you hook up a code reader?

Are the plug wires installed in the correct firing order?

Is spark bright white at all 4 spark plugs?

Do the injectors spray fuel?

Is the mechanical timing set correctly?

As mentioned, if all of the above are fine, compression test the cylinders.