Today I picked up a '91 hatch for next to nothing, but it won't start. The engine only free spins like there are no spark plugs in the head. Nothing wrong that I can visibly see without removing the timing cover. No oil leaks, the radiator holds plenty of coolant, no coolant in the oil, etc. I don't know much about Civics, but I'm assuming that the timing belt is broken.
Can anyone link me to, or posibly give me some directions on changing the timing belt? About how long will it take, and how involved is it?

 

BTW it has the 16 valve engine. Please help!

 

Have you done a search? I'm sure someone has talked about this before. Sorry, but I don't know any links.

 

Yeah, I tried searching under timing, belt, and timing belt, but nothing came up. I'll try again, but I don't think I'll find any instructions on changing the belt.

 

disconnect the injector assembly. pull a spark plug and lay the electrode near (almost touching) the block. have someone crank the engine and see if a spark goes form the plug to the block.

I bet it;s your distributor or igniter (coil). search under "ignitor" "distributor" and "dizzy"

 

have someone look through the oil cap while your turning the engine over.. should be able to see the valve movement. my engine does this too, but its a cheap main relay that causes it! very cheap fix. the motor will turn over but it never gets fuel until i bang on the relay a few times.. replacing it when it gets here

 

Can you tell me where this relay is? I actually removed the valve cover, and the valves are opening/closing as normal.

 

if it sounds like no spark plugs are in the head, then the timing belt is broken.

in a nutshell here is how to change it.

disconnect negative battery
set engine to top dead center
remove timing cover (usually means removing valve cover as well)
remove any accessories that are in the way
remove the driver's side engine mount
remove the crank pulley (MAJOR PAIN)
remove the pieces of original belt
using a ratchet, loosen the timing belt tensioner so you can get the new belt on.
reverse of removal
(make sure you set the cam timing)

 

If you think it's the timing belt, then take off valve cover. Next, take off the upper timing belt cover. You should see the belt now (if it's there.)

 

It's not the timing belt. While I had the valve cover off, I checked the timing belt. It's on there, and it seems pretty new. Would a bad ignitor or a pitted rotor cause similar symptoms? I haven't tested the ignitor, but the rotor was pitted and rusty. Cap seems OK though.

 

Yep... the rotor is a common problem and seems to be the culprit in your case!

 

rotor, any of the stuff you said could cause it....also look into the main relay as a last course of investigation.,

- Nathan