Hi,

I have an S reg Honda Civic Coupe 1.6 LS automatic and over the past year it struggles to start after it has been standing in prolonged rain for a while. Twice over the year, including today, when it has rained non-stop all day it simply won't start. It tries to ignite but it can't. However, after spraying the wires where it ignites and the spark plugs it started.
It then judders like mad at 1000 revs threatening to conk out until the engine warms up, then it's fine.

What could be causing this? Is the likely reason the distributor cap or the ignition coil?
I'm desperate.

Thanks,
Steven

Complete secondary ignition overhaul would be in order.
Plugs and wires, cap (with a new cap seal) and a rotor.
Check and change all filters, as necc. And change the engine oil and filter (to be sure it's not contaminated with gas)

Here's the solution to your problem:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-5.html#post520809

Thanks guys, I'm beginning to think that it's definitely a spark plug issue, either at the plugs themselves or the distributor to the sparks... do you know if it's an expensive job at a Honda dealer to replace spark plugs and/or wires? Can I do it myself easily?

Thank you.

Yes, you can do plugs and wires yourself!(If you have the tools- very few required)

Find a local parts store (call around and get prices, I wouldn't neccesarilly go for the chepest-ask about warranties, etc)

The take the wires off the distributor cap, one at a time, to keep them in the correct firing order. Make certain they are firmly reinstalled.

Plugs torqued to 13 ft lbs(18 nm)
Spark Plug Air Gap D16Y5-D16Y7-D16Y8 Engines 0.039-0.043 (In.)
SPark Plug Air Gap B16A2-Engine 0.047-0.051 (In.)