I tried using the search feature to find similar problems to this but I couldn't locate any. My issue is that when my car is cold and has been sitting for a while (12 hours or more) it is very hard to start. I turn the key and let the engine turn over a good 5 or 6 times and car will sputter a little bit and then usually die. I wait a few seconds and turn the key again and the car will fire right up. It runs strong and once its warm the car starts with no problems. I'm not quite sure what I should check to troubleshoot the issue as my battery and starter are working OK. My ignition system is in great shape, new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. Just for the record I had this problem before I replaced my plugs/cap/rotor etc.


Modified by 90crvtec at 11:43 AM 5/31/2005

 

How is the car running? Does the starter crank everytime?

Sounds like a poorly charged battery or timing is off.

 

Starter cranks everytime, I checked the timing with a timing light, its set at 16 degrees. Any other ideas?

 

check your fuel filter...when is the last time it was changed.....how many miles on the car.....do you turn the key to the on position and wait for the check engine light to turn on and then off before starting.....if you wait it will give the fuel pump a chance to fill the fuel line and fuel rail up.....

 

I'll try and wait for the check engine light to come off like you suggest. I don't think I was doing that before. As to the miles on the car it is a freshly built motor, maybe 4000 miles. The fuel filter was replaced when the motor was installed.

 

OK, the starting problems are worse, yesterday I had to try cranking on the car and waiting for about 30 minutes before it finally fired up. The car would sputter like it was just about ready to start and then nothing. The engine would turn over just fine but it would not fire. One thing I did notice was after putting the key in the ignition and turning it to the on position my fuel pressure guage still registered zero. This was after I could already hear the fuel pump turn on and spin up. Does this mean my fuel pump is bad? Normally I have about 20PSI of pressure when I just turn the key on and let the fuel pump spin up.

 

ok....I htink I have it.....have you tried to main reley......it is located under the on the driver side.....grey box, about 3x2 inches with a plug on the bottom.....if you get it out and take the cover off you will see a circut board with solder joints....these solder joints have a knack for cracking and cuasing a weak solder joint and will give it a loose connection......if you cant or dont know aht im talking about then just get another reley and replace it......

 

Wow, great info, I'll get right on that and let you know. Its a CRX with a CRVTEC swap, the car used to be an Si before the swap happened. If I buy a relay for an Si of the same year would that work? I can't see the relay being changed out with a motor swap but I figured if anyone would know it'd be the people on these forums.

 

you dont really have to change them with the swap...its just that the solder joints get hot and end up cracking and it might have just been like that and now its being a problem.....yes the SI one will work as well