I bought a 97 civic dx y7 with a y8 head. Car ran great for couple days then it would hesitate on acceleration for a few minutes & clear out. I parked it at the store came out & it wouldn’t start had it towed home. Did the basic checks, was getting fuel but no spark so changed cap, rotor, coil, ICM, main relay & ECU. Have spark now but still won’t start. Once in awhile trying to start it theres a low muffled sound that resembles a muffled backfire. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to what is causing it not to start & make that sound? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cindy

 

Any CEL codes?

Check the mechanical timing. The timing belt may have skipped a tooth on the cam gear.

 

Ok so you have spark at all 4 plugs correct, and you have fuel pressure coming out of the filter. I would use a Noid light on the injectors to see if the injectors are operating properly. Since you have some compression coming out the muffler I would guess its either a fuel issue or you dont have enough compression.
If your injectors pass a Noid light test I would do a dry and wet compression test. Google how to do those if you dont know how. If you fail the injector test or compression test you know where the issue is. I believe the PSI should be between 130 and 180, just be sure all cylinders are close to each other, I.E. 10 PSI. If you have compression,spark, and fuel, I would see if you have a faulted security system preventing it from starting, also you could take the 10 , 10mm bolts that hold the exhaust header on and try to start it. the exhaust could be clogged and preventing the engine from starting. Also check the battery for 12 volts and the intake. Make sure no rodents made a home and clogged the intake. One last thing I would check is the ground.

I just went through this with my 97 civic dx so I am passing on the info to you. Hope you find out whats wrong !

 

No CEL on. Will check timing & others things mentioned and keep you posted thanks for the suggestions!!

 

Does the CEL work?

 

Yes it does it went off after I changed the coil or mail relay I gorget which.

 

Just want to say thank you for all the advice. She’s running again finally!!! The timing was 180 off. Thanks to all of you I have gone thru the car & know that I bought a good car that should last a long time!!!
thanks again you guys are great!!! Happy to be a fellow honda owner/lover!!!
Cindy