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View Full Version : 91 honda civic dx has trouble starting and idling


bretts1234
Mar 5, 2012, 06:52 PM
I have a 91 civic dx and it starts roughly. I ran out of gas the other day and I had a lot of trouble cranking it back up after putting gas in I though that it just needed to run the gas through the lines. But about 5 miles down road it stalled again and I had to push crank it. Now when I start it , it runs rough and has a seeking idle. It also takes two or three tries to crank. I can hear the fuel pump cut on and I changed the main relay. I had the distributor replaced six months ago. I can also smell gas when it runs

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 5, 2012, 06:58 PM
You likely installed an aftermarket distributor. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas haven't worked at AMHD; the remaining ones have often not been reliable (your case). I recommend installing a new genuine Honda distributor housing, where it's fine to install an aftermarket igniter and coil to keep the cost down. If it's under warranty, first try exchanging it for another.

bretts1234
Mar 5, 2012, 07:02 PM
Hey thanks for the suggestion. Im sorry to ask but when you say distributor housing is that the same as the cap. Also would this make the smell of from inside my car.

bretts1234
Mar 5, 2012, 07:03 PM
Sorry smell of gas

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 5, 2012, 07:13 PM
No, the distributor housing is the metal (casting) portion of the distributor. Since the distributor is not firing when it should, much of the gas is not being burned--hence, the stench of gasoline. This is dangerous since it can ruin your catalytic converter and even blow the exhaust system off the car. In other words, stop trying to get it to start the way it is.

bretts1234
Mar 5, 2012, 07:23 PM
Ok so basically I'm going to replace the metal housing and keep the internals. Should I replace the cap as well

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 6, 2012, 06:34 AM
I would install a new distributor cap on a new genuine Honda distributor housing. I would, also, install a new aftermarket igniter and coil. Coat the back of the new igniter with silicone heat transfer grease.

bretts1234
Mar 6, 2012, 05:35 PM
I have checked the spark coming from the plugs and my test light showed a spark. Could that still mean it's a distributor problem.

TxGreaseMonkey
Mar 6, 2012, 05:55 PM
Yes, you can have spark but either the ICM is sparking at the wrong time, due to it failing, and/or internal distributor sensors (CKP, TDC, and CYL) are failing and affecting timing.