1989 honda civic lx died and no fire. Cranks but no start,cel comes on, main relay clicks,fuel pump comes on, cel goes off and immediately comes back on and no start

Let me get this straight, does the CEL come on and go out after 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)?

Yes, and comes back on and cranks but no start.Nephew told me that in past year and a half, the cel stays on while driving; his belief was that the cel had nothing to do with the inability of the car to start.

If the CEL does not go out (i.e. stays on), most Hondas will not spark and the fuel pump will not run. First, I would reset the ECM by removing the Backup Fuse, in the under hood fuse box, for 10 seconds. See if the CEL still stays on, when you turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II). If it does, then your problem is with the ACG (ALT) (S) 15 amp fuse, in the under dash fuse/relay box; ECM (perform the K-Test, below); main relay; or the ignition switch. Perform tests in that order.

The K-Test: Remove the MAP Sensor connector and turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II). Using a multimeter, check for 5 volts going between the MAP Sensor connector's reference wire (+) and ground. As you look at the connector, this is the socket on the right. Really press the black test lead into a cleaned main ECM ground on the thermostat housing. If the voltage is low, it's probably indicating ECM failure. Most failed ECMs will record a fraction of a volt. To me, the K-Test is simple, elegant, and accurate. Many Hondas parked for several years are now back on the road. "The K-Test creates massive value, by providing a low cost solution where one did not previously exist."--TxGM

Verify that the ACG (ALT) (S) fuse is not missing--we have had two instances on this site where someone had removed this crucial fuse and the Honda would not start. Then, test all under dash and under hood fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145

Be very thorough, since this will save a lot of time and money.