So I have a 95 Honda Del sol with B16a3 (vtec). I recently rebuilt the motor and I’m having issues getting it started. The first attempt at starting it, it started and idled real low so we turned it off to make adjustments. Well we tried to start it again and it has not started since. It will crank, but the rpm gauge does not move. We are getting spark, fuel, and the compression seams fine. The engine does smell like it’s getting too much gas so we did the trick of keeping the foot on the gas and tried to start it that way. We’ve replaced spark plugs, wires, distributor rotor and made sure the timing was right. We had problems with it starting after letting it sit for six months. But we managed to get new spark plugs, and a distributor cap and got it running after that.
Ive had multiple friends take a look at it, even and haven’t had a clue.
Im sorry this is so long, I just really need answers and I am completely stuck. Thank you for any ideas

update: we tried bump starting the car and it made attempts at starting but didn’t get all the way there, we did a compression test and we’re getting 100-120. I know this isn’t as high as it should be. However when we did the rebuild we replaced pistons, rings, gaskets and when we bought the car the head was already done. Wondering if there is something else we should do to get compression restored? I was also told this is normal if the car has not been broken in.

update in comments

ps. Whole new distributor was put in too

 

Might need new igniter...they fail often. $60 on amazon for Hitachi.

 

Would I still get spark with a bad igniter?

 

Hmm I’d be willing to say that bad plugs and a rotor won’t give you a no start condition. Maybe your problem lies with the reason it wasn’t starting in the first place.

Does the main relay click when you turn the ignition on:

 

I’ll have to take a look tonight, I guess we all figured since it cranks it wouldn’t be an issue.

 

Bad main relays will cause a crank no start, or intermittent starting condition. Not a no crank no start.

 

All the grounds bolted up?

 

As far as I know yes

 

Just went through and checked all the relays, all was good there

 

I should mention that when we leave and come the next day and start it for the first time it sounds like it wants to start. After that first try though there is nothing but crank. This happens everyday.

 

Distributor 180 out? Gotta work at it, but you can put it on wrong.

 

Thought of that but it’s definitely on there correctly, fit easily

 

How are you confirming that there is spark?

 

Spark tester and ground wire

 

Verify if IACV, IAT, and ECT is plugged in right spot since they are same plugs. I’ve had my IACV and engine coolant temp sensor plugged in wrong spot caused it not to start.


are you running stock ECU and stock injectors?

 

Yeah I’ve checked all those. When I was driving it still I was having issues with the iacv. However we didn’t think that it would keep the car from starting.
Everything on the car is stock except we put headers on during the rebuild.

 

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? I know u said you smell fuel but it could be when it isn’t holding pressure.

If you have a extra distributor, ecu, or injectors laying around I would try that. Only things you need to start a car is compression, spark, and fuel, something isn’t right unless u have low compression, you have fuel but not enough to start or u have spark but have a weak spark.

 

Unfortunately I don’t have anything extra, I’ll have to try testing fuel pressure. We might be trying to bump start it soon.

 

Hi! I’ve made progress but not as much as I would like. So we have now gotten the car to start. If we leave it overnight it will start up just fine but will go straight to 3000rpms and will stay like that for a could of minutes and then nose dive to 300rpms and then won’t accelerate past 500. I have replaced the whole intake manifold (map sensor, iacv, throttle body, etc) if the car is killed/dies it won’t start up after that initial try unless the accelerator is feathered perfectly. Needing some ideas, we’re thinking catalytic converter for now. Just wanting to try all that I can before going under the car. Thank you

edit: I should also add that if I unplug the map sensor then the car is more willing to accelerate

 

What are the wire colors of the three wires in the plug for your MAP sensor ?

 

One green
one white
one that is yellow and red

 

Ok good... just making sure you didn't have the MAP and TPS plugs swapped.

 

Also thinking about adjusting valves...just need to save this car

 

Double check spark plug wire position on distributor?

 

dumping too much fuel? leaky injectors?