I'll try to give all the info I can. I bought this car a few months ago , supposed to have about
20,000 mi on a rebuild, timing belt good. the first time, it cranked over, fired, sputtered and died. then I could crank and crank but it wouldn't fire.When I first turn the key, I can hear the fuel pump run and shut off and the main relay clicks. I then engage the starter, the fuel pump also starts running,but engine never wants to catch. I can smell raw gas in the tail pipe. The led on the ecm flashes as follows: 1 pause 1 pause 17 pause 1 pause 17... I have checked the main relay by the book and Its good. Where do I go from here?...P.S. I've read several other posts here If you think Its my ECM, How do I find/count the pins to check them?


Regards,

Greg

outsydthbox

Doesn't the "fuel pressure regulator test" assume the car is running? Because you won't get any manifold vacuum if it isn't. so pinching-off the vac hose means nothing in my case.
However, I did a pressure test (after fabricating an adapter to fit the service port) by turning the key until I hear the pump run for 2 seconds. The results are 39-40 psi. Right in the range
of 35- 41 psi for 1985 through 1990 civic dual-point injection.
FWIW, I have looked at 2 other civics in same year range, and none of them have a ground wire, or any other harness grounded to the thermostat housing.
BTW, I do thank you for your continuing communications. Eventually I'll find the problem, and it will no doubt be something very simple.

txgreasemonkey

Yes, assumes engine is running.

Never give up!

outsydthbox

HERE IS WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS!!!
After thinking about how the car would start after sitting for a few days (and only run for a second), then smelling raw gas, I thought it must be flooding. I checked out a few other discussion groups on the subject : cleaning fuel injectors.... (long story-short)...ohm tested injectors, both good. I pulled the wiring plugs from the injectors(both of them) and it sounded like it wanted to start!....dirty injectors stuck open?....Cleaned them in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner (did not submerge ) filled with SEAFOAM, put them back in, and it has run great ! Mileage has also improved. Before, 28 to 33 (last tank before it quit, 25) now having run for 4 or 5 fill-ups, it's getting 35-37 mpg!
Something so simple! I hope this can help someone else keep it rollin' down the road.
P.S. If you have 150k or more, take your injectors to a shop that does "ultrasonic cleaning" and testing. According to one Volvo owner, that had used the high dollar "through the tank or rail" cleaners, nothing was as good as ultrasonic. You'll be amazed by the difference in before/after spray pattern

txgreasemonkey

Great idea. My father has an ultrasonic cleaner and uses them to clean carburetor parts. They do an awesome job.