Hey guys,

1988 civic sedan will not start.

Pretty sure its getting fuel, positive its getting air, so I suspect spark is the issue.

swapped in a good condition working distributor and that did not fix it. where should I go next for the electrical system? And is there a common week point electrically with these old cars?

Thanks guys!

 

Main relay

 

So a bad relay is going to cut the fuel correct? I shouldn't be able to hear the fuel pump spinning and build pressure?

 

Yea, relay would not allow fuel
try hitting it a bit see if it goes

 

So, replaced distributor and main relay. fuel pump makes noise, so its getting power. What else could it be?

 

Timing correct?
firing order correct?
Fuel filter not clogged?
Grounds all atached?
No vacuum leaks?

 

will check all of those, back in a minute

 

forgot to mention, held spark plugs to cylinder head and there was no spark.

grounds are attached. timing is correct. distributor is most likely good. main relay works. havent checked fuel filter, but loosened fuel line connection on intake man. and fuel leaked out.

I sprayed starting fluid in intake, cranked it, no pops or action indicating spark in cylinder.

what is the next component behind the distributor? i can feel it in my bones that its an electrical problem

 

No spark, can be.
Wires
plugs
Dizzy cap
ignitor
rotor
Dizzy itself (bad coil)
Main relay


Check where the spark stops continuity.

screwdriver with a rag, hold it to the plug, to the wire ends, to the dizzy cap plugs.
You should get arc at each point. If not, the problem is at or around that point.

 

Do you get any type of flashing codes?

I used to own an EF and I remember something like if you turn the key and wait you should get a blinking code.

 

thats the thing, no error codes and no check engine light. Which makes me think its something very obvious and simple.

acmoc, I will get the multimeter out and see if I can find power somewhere. On the plugs going to the distributor, I should have power coming through those plugs correct? that would tell me if im getting power to the distributor.

this might turn into a parts car... lol

 

No get a crew driver and crank the motor, put the metal end to the contact point to see if there is an electrical arc.
Where there is no arc, that will be where your problem is.
If theres no arc at the dizzy cap, it could be the cap or rotor.
If those are good than it's the dizzy or ignitor.

I's not worth the cost to put in a new ignitor, just get a distributor