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View Full Version : 1995 Civic doesn't start when cold & foggy


kendogger
May 22, 2008, 03:28 PM
I know it sounds weird, but it's true. When it's cold and foggy, the engine turns & turns, but doesn't catch. When I come back at lunch, or if it's warm out in the morning, she starts up and runs great. Any ideas?

TxGreaseMonkey
May 22, 2008, 05:41 PM
First, try replacing the spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor. If the problem persists, I would go over the entire electrical system, replacing spark plugs (NGK only), Ignition Control Module, coil, and main relay. If you follow the link below, you can re-establish like new reliability and performance relatively inexpensively:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-4.html#post265896

The main relay is located left of the fuse box, wedged against the left kick panel and above the hood latch. Remove fuse box cover and lower dash panel for access. I normally recommend replacing all of the components above on Hondas every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

kendogger
May 23, 2008, 08:08 AM
Thanks Greasemonkey, but check this out (everybody):

I went to replace my plugs because I had already suspected this. When I pulled the two middle wires, there was a LOT of oil in the well. I freaked. But when I took out the plugs, each was obviously still torqued tight and neither plug showed any signs of burning oil, i.e. they where white. How could oil possibly have gotten above the plug? By the way, I had a bad run in with a shop who did unauthorized body work and the insurance company refused to pay.

TxGreaseMonkey
May 23, 2008, 08:46 AM
You need to replace the rubber spark plug seals in the valve cover. They prevent oil splashing around under the valve cover from getting into the spark plug tubes. When you have the valve cover off, it would be good to replace the rubber valve cover seal, too.

kendogger
May 23, 2008, 08:49 AM
You rock. Thanks for the quick response. Could that have something to do with the fickle starting?

kendogger
May 23, 2008, 08:53 AM
Actually, TX, do you have a link or info for the whole process, like torque specs, et al.

TxGreaseMonkey
May 23, 2008, 08:56 AM
Most likely, it's related to moisture on cold, foggy days shorting out secondary voltage in the spark plug wires and/or distributor cap. See if this link helps:

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

TxGreaseMonkey
May 23, 2008, 09:00 AM
Cylinder head cover bolts are torqued to 7 lb-ft. Carefully apply oil with your finger to the bottom of the 4 rubber spark plug tube seals, when installing the cylinder head cover. Easy job.