shaunb...@gmail.com wrote:
> motsco_ wrote:
> > shaunbowe@gmail.com wrote:
> > > I have a 97 civic EX that still runs great (most of the time). About
> > > twice a year I attempt to start the car and it sounds like it is about
> > > to start but it never catches. If I hold the accelerator to the floor
> > > and try to start it, it starts after about 10 seconds of cranking.
> > > After it starts it sounds like it is running on 3 cylinders until I get
> > > the rpms up to about 5000. Once it hits that number you can actually
> > > hear something pop and the car runs fine.
> > >
> > > I had this problem more often about a year ago then I started using a
> > > fuel injector cleaner and it stopped happening. Any ideas how I can fix
> > > this? Based on that I am guessing this is something in the fuel system,
> > > but I haven't been able to narrow it down. Has anybody else had a
> > > similar problem?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > =============================================
> >
> > You had a dribbling injector and you solved it by applying the Honda
> > solution for "Flooded Engine" (per your owner's manual). You should just
> > use injector cleaner a couple times a year and the problem will go away.
> > Nobody ever suggested that before? Gasohol works just about as good.
> >
> > 'Curly'
>
> Thanks for the info. I have never been able to find a solution to this,
> probably because I was not searching for the right thing.

After reading some of your other posts I am sure this is the problem.
When it finally did start I remember seeing a large cloud of smoke from
the exhaust as you have said in the past.