Hey guys. I'm not sure if this is the appropriate forum, but I didn't see a troubleshooting or repair forum. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I purchased a 1992 Honda Civic DX last week and about 3 or 4 days after having it, I had problems. The events leading up to my car dying may or may not have anything to do with it being dead now, but I thought they might give some clues to the more knowledgable mechanics.

I was installing my car stereo, and I think I shorted a wire in the dash during some test fits. The radio stopped working, but still would eject the CD and show the time when I hit display...I think this means I had +12v but not the switched. I was in a hurry, but decided to check all of the fuses. I pulled them out, one by one, and didn't find anything.

I took off for my destination, and noticed the car getting hot. I turned the heat on in the car, and the temperature guage dropped quickly down to normal. I turned the heat off a few times during my drive, after which the temp went up again. Turning the heat on kept the temp guage dropping to normal in a short time. It never got to "H".

So, after I got to my destination, I hung out for about 4-5 hours. I went to leave, and the car would not start. It turns over fine...just not getting spark or fuel...I don't know which...one or the other.

I know that if the timing is out a bit, this can cause overheating in some cars. I think the fact it got hot before it died and then wouldn't start, may point to a bad distributor.

Before I go replacing $200 parts blindly, I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on testing different parts of the ignition system. I know I can check for spark with the plug in the wire to ground (which I haven't done yet), but I'm trying to find out if there is a quick test for the distributor, etc. so I can do all of this at once. The car is 75 miles from my house, and I won't have internet access when I am there...so I am trying to create a plan before going to repair the civic.

I have searched the boards and came up with a few good tips regarding the distributor. If you have anything to add, I would appreciate it.

TIA!

 

Overheating issue is probably caused by low coolant, stuck thermostat or air in the system.

The car not being able to start after it's hot may be the infamous main relay problem.

 

Thanks for the input.

Yes, I was going to replace the thermostat the next day, as it sounded like a faulty thermostat.

The car doesn't start at all...hot or cold...doesn't matter. Tomorrow is the big trip, so either I'll get it fixed myself after some testing or have it towed to a dealer and flop down the cash to have them fix it...or at least have them diagnose it.

The whole reason I bought this car was so I wouldn't have to work on cars anymore. Guess I'll have to get a 2004 Civic so I'll be safe for a few years.

 

Well, first off, I would love to thank everyone here for their input. (sic)

The overheating was caused by the top radiator hose that had a crack in the bottom.

I replaced the distributor, and now I am golden. I don't know which part it was, but replacing the distributor made her run!

This place is more of a poseur forum than a real person-to-person help forum. Sad.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by perfectsquare &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This place is more of a poseur forum than a real person-to-person help forum. Sad. </TD></TR></TABLE>

im glad you got it fixed. it seems u pretty much had troubleshot it when you posted. if the not starting problem reoccurs i would look into the main relay as stated before. it happens alot. as for what i have qouted. i dont see where u get this. i know there are alot of ******** on here. but most every time i have had a problem this site has come through for me. hope you have better experience in the future.

 

I only said that because most people just want to put down new comers here. That's the only reason. Sorry.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by perfectsquare &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I only said that because most people just want to put down new comers here. That's the only reason. Sorry. </TD></TR></TABLE>

While this is true, it's not something that happened in this thread. Keep these comments for the ******** please. I'm glad you got your problem fixed.

 

how much didi the distributor cost you because my civic is doin the same its a no start but cranks over. also in the distributor it came wit all of the parts, the coil, ICM etc.

 

I bought my distributor from Autozone for around $175 I believe. There is a $60 core charge as well.

I also replaced my cap, button, plugs and wires at the same time. I bought Bosch Platinum 2, and I think the plugs are making my car run worse. I'm going to buy some NGK plugs later today.

 

well glad you got it fixed