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    89honda's Avatar
    89honda Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 2, 2009, 09:10 PM
    89 civic si that won't start
    I have an 89 civic si that won't start. I have spark and fuel. I can hear the main relay click and the fuel pump come on for a few seconds, but the motor just turns over and over. A thought is a possible bad head gasket. Would this keep the car from running at all? I mean it doesn't even try to run. It was running when I got to work and I went in, came out, and it was not running. Any ideas of what the problem would be, will be greatlly appreciated.
    synthcrx's Avatar
    synthcrx Posts: 8, Reputation: 2
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    #2

    Jan 2, 2009, 10:04 PM

    It doesn't sound like a head gasket issue to me.

    I'd check/recheck the starter if I were you.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #3

    Jan 3, 2009, 08:19 AM


    . Test all underdash and underhood fuses with a test light or multimeter:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post252145

    . Check for codes.

    . Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil, if the Check Engine Light comes on and goes off after 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post265896

    Here's what the ICM looks like and costs:

    http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/Pro...pe=194&PTSet=A

    My bet is that the ICM is bad. ICMs and coils should be replaced every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first, on Hondas.
    89honda's Avatar
    89honda Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jan 5, 2009, 01:10 PM

    The fuses are all good. I just replace the ICM and still nothing. I checked the coil with an ohmeter and it fell within the recommended specs. I checked the LED on the ECU and it did a little flash and nothing else. It did not come up with any codes there. I have been told that hondas are known for the distributor to go bad? I am at a loss.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #5

    Jan 5, 2009, 03:46 PM

    I place very little faith in bench testing coils or ICMs. Personally, I would replace the coil, and, if the situation persisted, replace the distributor housing (Genuine Honda only). I've seen way too many coils and ICMs that tested okay that didn't work at all.
    89honda's Avatar
    89honda Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Feb 3, 2009, 01:02 PM

    I still haven't gotten my car running. I put a new ICM and I have spark on two cyclinders. Could the distributor be bad?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #7

    Feb 3, 2009, 01:07 PM

    Yes, that's certainly possible--internal sensors (CKP, CYL, and TDC) fail on old housings. I would replace the coil first. If the problem persists, then I would place the new ICM and coil in a new Genuine Honda distributor housing. Doing it this way doesn't waste money.
    89honda's Avatar
    89honda Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Feb 3, 2009, 01:18 PM

    I will give it a shot. Thank you.
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