I have a "91" honda civic 1500 with 189,000 mi. I changed the plugs and wires but the still have the same problem. The car will start and run for several seconds normaly then die. The only way to keep it running is to pump the gas peddle vigorously. The car will continue to run a little longer but in fits. It runs smoothly when it runs. I disconnected the fuel line from the filter and fuel ran through the filter liberally. The car acts like it's being starved for fuel. Is this a correct assumption and where do I go from here. I'm trying to fix this for a young single mom with no money friend. Please help!

1. Ensure vacuum hoses don't leak.

2. Test/replace the fuel pressure regulator. Here's how the fuel pressure regulator works:

The fuel pressure regulator maintains a constant fuel pressure to the fuel injectors. When the difference between the fuel pressure and manifold pressure exceeds 43 psi, the diaphragm is pushed upward, and the excess fuel is fed back into the fuel tank through the return line.

Test

. Attach fuel pressure gauge to the service port of the fuel filter. Pressure should be 40-47 psi, with fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected and pinched.
. Reconnect vacuum hose to fuel pressure regulator.
. Check that fuel pressure rises when vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator is disconnected again. If fuel pressure did not rise, replace fuel pressure regulator.

3. Test/replace the Throttle Position (TP) Sensor.
4. Test igniter and coil for free at AutoZone, if your assumption that it is a fuel-related problem is incorrect.

If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, you can pinch off the fuel return line with pliers (rag around the hose to prevent damage) and see if it will run longer. You may have fuel but the pump might not supply enough flow. Bad fuel pumps on this model are rare.

Also check to see if the exhaust flows freely out of the tail pipe when it runs for a few seconds, sometimes a clogged cat or messed up muffler baffle can restrict the exhaust flow (but this usually makes a hissing sound).

This engine is throttle body injected, you can remove the black lid above the throttle body (four phillips screws) and verify that fuel is spraying out from the injectors. It may be difficult to see with closed throttle, so have somoeone hold it to the floor and try to start it.

If you really want to get high tech, with the upper lid removed, spray brake cleaner into the throttle body and see if you can get it to continue to run, if so, you are not getting fuel for a number of possible reasons.