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-   -   1999 Civic - long cranks when sitting overnight. Lots of details. (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=666277)

  • Jun 1, 2012, 11:43 PM
    Havokid
    1999 Civic - long cranks when sitting overnight. Lots of details.
    Started 2 years ago. Recently pulled from storage last month. Sitting in storage for 1 year.

    Vehicle: 1999 Honda Civic DX Hatchback M/T, 121,000 miles, D16Y7 engine, modifications: 4-2-1 headers - 2.5" piping - short ram intake.

    Scenario: NO CELs. It takes several long normal cranks (about 3-4 attempts, each attempt is 3 seconds cranks) to start in the morning or just starting for the first time that day. Happens whether it's hot or cold outside. Cranks sound normal and strong. Once the car starts, it runs fine. Idles fine at 1,500-1,700 rpms, drops down to 1,000 rpms at normal temperature. Drives fine, never stalls, never hesitates. After running for a few minutes, I can simply turn it off and restart it. No issue. Crank last 1-2 seconds, first try. If I let the car sit for more than 6 hours, issue returns.

    Things I've tested and replaced:

    Oil
    Oil Filter
    Gas (issue happens even with full tank)
    Coolant
    Coolant Sensor (original was faulty)
    Spark Plugs (NGK)
    Spark Plug Cables
    Distributor Cap
    Distributor Rotor
    Ignition Coil
    Main Relay
    Fuel Filter (pressure drops to 0 overnight, when ignition is on, rises to 40 psi at the fuel filter)
    Fuel Pump
    Fuel Rail
    Fuel Injectors
    Fuel Pressure Regulator
    Battery (also cleaned all 3 main ground cables and surfaces as well as applying new battery clamps)
    Tested All Related Fuses

    Applied Seafoam to my gas tank, brake booster, and oil. And replaced gas/oil after a week. Cleaned my throttle body (walls were black) and my intake air control valve. Tried spraying starter fluid into my short ram and turning the car over after sitting, no affect. Only things I have not changed and I think can be the culprit are the starter/solenoid, distributor, or ECU.

    Any ideas?
  • Jun 2, 2012, 04:28 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) inside the distributor. Apply silicone heat transfer compound to the back of the new ICM.
  • Jun 2, 2012, 09:11 AM
    Havokid
    Before I cough up another dime to this motor. I've googled ICM issues and everyone seems to have the same problem. (not trying to question your knowledge, I just want to really pin point the culprit and know for sure since I'm on a tight budget). They seem to have their cars randomly die on them on the road. Mines never died whether I've been driving for 3 minutes or 3 hours. Nor when I'm in motion or at a stop. Thanks for the quick reply.

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