i have a 90 civic lx AT that won't start most of the time especially when the temp is hot. sometimes it taks a few cranks. when i check for sparks, sometime it'll have spark and sometimes it doesn't, but it still doesn't start. after you let it cool (about 30mins), it would start again, having sparks. usually i just wait for a few seconds then it would restart again, but now it's getting worst. if you drive it for a long time (1-2 hours), it will sound like it's going to stall when you stop, and it did twice (i have to rev a little). has no cel. i got new dist cap, wires and plugs before it started getting worst. 50 amp ign fuse is black but still connects. i might buy a ign coil but not sure if it's the problem. need some advise. thanks.

 

Listen for the hum of the fuel pump running for about 2 seconds when the ignition is first turned to the 'run' position (the CEL will light for the same duration). If you hear it, the main relay is OK.

Otherwise, problem could be a faulty ignitor/coil, or TW sensor.

FWIW, i've always had the best performance from the OEM cap, rotor, wires, and NGK plugs.

 

could it be the main relay because sometimes i don't have spark also. i can also smell the gas if i crank the engine a lot.

 

Chances are its the crank sensor or ignitor inside of the distributor. Its not a fuel problem because the car runs fine when you drive it. Its not the main because if it was it would die and thats it. It wouldnt play aroung on and off.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chicows18 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It wouldnt play aroung on and off.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It would if it cooled down enough. Main relay is cheap enough to try it anyway. That's my vote.

 

is it a hatch? had a similar problem with a hatch i had years back. (had to refuel sometimes with the car running cause didnt want to sit and wait to get it started again!! ) I even had it diagnosed by the dealership and they couldnt even find the problem. Good luck. I am sure it is a simple fix, just have to locate it!!