my son bought a 91 honda civic hatchback dx several months ago as a first car, it never really had much power to it, but we thought that was normal for such a small car. then it started dying every now and then and getting irritable. then it started sounding really rough, smelling like gas and running rich"my husband says" so, he's changed the spark plugs,wires,oil, filter, checked the timeing and adjusted it, changed the cap and rotar, and yesterday, changed the main efi relay which was damaged. and the car still won't start! it turns over but will not start. any ideas anyone? this was a cheap first car and turning in to a money pit!

ddollinger

Remove the cold air system from the throttle body assembly and pour about 2 ounces of raw fuel in the throttle body. Let it dissipate some by waiting about 2-3 minutes and then try to start it. If it starts up and then quits (once it burns up the fuel you poured in) then it is in your fuel system. You may have a weak fuel pump or a partially plugged fuel filter. When the fuel line is unhooked and there is no pressure in the system the fuel pump is not under a load and will be able to pump fuel and/or will be able to get passed the plugged area but when it is under pressure it can't.

DISCLAIMER: Pouring raw fuel into the throttle body is very dangerous. Do not do this in an enclosed area like a garage or carport. Make sure no one is under or around the hood area if you do this. Also be aware that it can result in an underhood fire. I have used this procedure a few times in my many years with no castastrohic results but was also aware of the dangers involved in doing this and was willing to except the consequences if there was a problem.

wish2dance

thanks for the ideas, my husband tried this already and it did not work, so now the car has next to no compression in 3 of the valves, so now we have to decide on rebuilding the motor or buying a new one. any ideas on what to do or where to get one?

ddollinger

Have him pour a about 1/2 ounce of oil (couple good squirts from an oil can if he has one) and then recheck the compression. If the compression comes up considerably then it has worn rings and will need a rebuild for replacement. If not then it is the valves not sealing. If it is the valves not seating then a valve job will do the trick and would cost considerably less then an engine change unless #1 you get a real good deal on a good used motor and #2 your husband changes it and doesn't have to pay someone to do it.