Hi Guys,
My 94 non-VTEC SOHC turns over but won't fire. When cranked it sounds kinda high pitched and pathetic, first time it ever sounded like that.

Here's what we've tried:
-Added fuel stabilizer in case it was bad gas or water
-Fuel pump engages when key is turned on
-Main relay seems fine: jumped it and fuel pump ran
-Loosened fuel pressure relief bolt and ran fuel pump- gas DRIBBLED out, didn't SPRAY like I saw in a video online
-Can't smell or see any leaks

SO should we change the fuel filter? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Any other fuel things to check?

-In the distributor: have power at the coil, starter pack negative line and from the ECM, so I think that is all fine?

Can anyone suggest what else we should check?
Thanks!!

 

Your fuel filter is 20 years old. WHat do you think?

 

Bright white spark at all 4 plugs?

Does the engine fire with starting fluid?

 

Nope, the fuel filter was changed under two years ago and is not due to be changed by mileage either.

 

Thanks Ron, I'm going to go get the spare plug to use your suggested method of testing for bright white spark, and starting fluid. Any other easily-listed supplies I would need for the next steps to check? I have a multimeter for the steps I saw when I looked over the follow-up to the spark test.

 

Then why did you suggest that you change the fuel filter? Nor mention how old it was in the first place? SMH.

 

high pitched like it has no compression and its spinning freely? hopefully its not your timing belt....

 

Not that high pitched, I guess? Timing belt was changed about a year ago.The compression at three cylinders is fine and one is low, as it has been for quite some time. It has run like that for months, even tho not purring smoothly.

The objective for this car is to overcome this unexpected no-start issue in order to get it to a place where the engine can be swapped, so it can have new adventures.

 

I had a similar problem but it turned out to be the igniter in the distributor you can pull it out and check at your local autozone. But mine had no spark at the spark plugs. Not sure if it helps but hopefully you get the problem solved soon

 

if the car runs with a shot of starting fluid you have an issue with fuel delivery, which brings your problem down to a blown fuse for the pump (not possible if pump is kicking on), main pump relay (I've replaced these a couple times), fuel pump is defective (I haven't seen hardly any if any of these go out on Hondas but it is possible).

 

Ok, so:
No, does not start with Quick Start.
No Sparks at any plugs.

Have eliminated the following from the 'How to troubleshoot spark problems DIY:'
a) timing belt is ok- saw rocker arms moving
b) G101 ground is good
c) no CELs
d) battery voltage reaches coil and igniter on Blk/Yel wire in distributor when key ON.

Continuing with other steps in that DIY.
Any further advice?

Thanks!!

 

You need to check for spark when cranking the motor over.

Keep your meter on the blk yellow wire on the dizzy plug and watch the voltage as you crank the motor over.

The keyswitch could be bad.

Check the wire for the icm that goes from the ecu to the icm in the distributor.

 

Ohm test the coil. Have AutoZone test the igniter unit (or follow this DIY).

 

Ohm tested the coil and it came out ok.
Tried to test the igniter unit (but must admit I was not 100% clear on those results)--
Went and got a whole replacement distributor at the wreckers and still getting the same results: no spark at any plugs.

Will have to redo the other tests with the replacement dizzy tomorrow... but is there anything else it could be?
Thanks again!

 

Do the igniter unit input tests. There's a diagram in the FAQs sticky.

 

My 94 teg w/o vetec. Suddenly stall. Found dist.cap inside has a screw.,that damaging the contact carbon points. After I did replace the cap and rotor. Still crank, no start. Further I did check main relay, fuel pump they work normal. On start position.,I can hear the priming and see the engine light on and off after 2 sec. Cranking no sparks. I change whole dist. Unit. Now same issue, no sparks. I need help for me to make it to run.