In article <1164773024.114720.152160@80g2000cwy.googlegroups. com>,
shaunbowe@gmail.com wrote:

> 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.

What kind of cloud?

Grey and gasoline odor - Gasoline
White and persistent with no odor - Oil
White and fades with garden hose odor - Coolant

Oil could mean that a valve stem oil seal has broken. Coolant would be
really bad.