[chefboyrd]

My 1996 civic is not starting my mechanic said that it is the valves that are stuck.could this be the problem?or could it be the spark plugs that are bad?we are getting sparks but it does not look strong the plugs do not look wet enough.could it be a fuel problem?or an air filter just need some answers before I tell him to free up the valves he also said that there is no compression could the valves cause it to have no compression? If they are stuck cause the car was laid down for about 3 months in the cold could this be the reason why the car is not starting?he check the timming the whole nine yards he is convinced that it is the valves why the car is not starting need help

[TxGreaseMonkey]

If the compression is poor, it may be the head gasket is leaking, due to the car previously overheating. This frequently warps the head and damages the valves ($2,500). Remove the plugs from each cylinder and check each cylinder's compression. After doing that, the picture should be clear.

If the compression is fine, perform the tests in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2123675

Based on your description of a weak spark, I would replace the Ignition Control Module and coil, provided the compression is fine:

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

This could be all, or part, of what is wrong--it's extremely common on Hondas.