ucmbt@yahoo.ca wrote:
> Car: 95 Civic LX
> Problem: Engine cranks, but will not start
> What has been done so far:
>
> 1) Replaced spark plugs - and tested that there are sparks while
> cranking (by attaching a spark plug to a spark plug wire, and grounding
> the plug on the valve cover - tried this for all 4 plugs and wires)-
> i.e. ignition wires and distributor cap/rotor (brand new) are good.
> Also, checked resistance of all ignition wires - all are way below
> 25,000 ohms
>
> 2) Check Engine light goes out after 2 seconds when the key is in the
> "ON" position and I can hear the fuel pump prime during those 2 seconds
> - so, fuel pump and main relay should be good
>
> 3) Can smell gas while cranking - fuel is delivered to the engine
> without problems. Also, after removing a spark plug, I can see the
> spark plug is soaked with gasoline - so there IS fuel in the engine -
> so, fuel pump and main relay should be good
>
> 4) Since the engine cranks, then the starter should be good
>
> 5) Battery is fully charged using an external charger - so there's
> plenty of juice
>
> 6) Based on the above, ECU should be good - since the check engine
> light goes out after 2 seconds when the key is in the "ON" position.
> I've also tried an ECU that's known to be working properly - still the
> engine won't start.
>
> 7) Timing belt is definitely not broken - I saw the valves move up and
> down while peeking in the oil filler hole. Also, the distributor rotor
> rotates while cranking.
>
> 8) Dry compression test results:
> cylinder #1 has 100psi of compression
> cylinder #2 has 100psi of compression
> cylinder #3 has 130psi of compression
> cylinder #4 has 80psi of compression
>
> 9) Wet compression test results (after putting a few drops of oil in
> each combustion chamber):
> cylinder #1 has 150psi of compression
> cylinder #2 has 150psi of compression
> cylinder #3 has 140psi of compression
> cylinder #4 has 130psi of compression
>
> 10) Tried spraying starting fluid into the air intake/throttle body.
> The engine didn't cough at all.
>
> 11) If I take out all the spark plugs and dry them out over night
> (they are soaked with gas), and then put them in, I can hear the engine
> cough once, then it's back to crank, crank, crank and the spark plugs
> will be soaked with fuel again. It seems like the spark plugs are not
> able to ignite the fuel, or maybe there's too much fuel?
>
> 12) About 3 months ago, car was running fine on the highway, then the
> engine stopped completely. Engine would NOT restart. Had to tow it.
> Since then, the car has sat on a flat garage floor for 3 months. Gas
> tank is 1/2 full.
>
> Please help! Any other things to check/test? What do you think the
> problem is?
>
> Could it be the ignitor, even though there's spark on the spark plugs?
> Could it be the sparks are not strong enough? How to test whether the
> spark is strong enough? The sparks can jump a 1/2" gap between the
> spark plug and group.
>
> Please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help!
>
what error code are you getting from the ecu?