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Steamer123 · Apr 25, 2010, 10:46 AM

I have a 92 civic 1.5L automatic and it does not want to start.
My friend gave me the car after he had driven it without oil and could not get it started one day.
It cranks and almost wants to start, but does not.
This is what happens when I try to start.
1- when I turn the ignition on, I hear the main relay click and hear the fuel pump pressurize the fuel delivery system. CEL comes on and goes away in few seconds.
2 - when I try and start, it cranks but does not catch.

Things that I have done so far to trouble shoot:
1- replaced spark plugs.
2- replaced distributor with new one.
3- replaced plug wires.
4- replaced fuel pump.
5- checked for spark, there is spark.
6 - checked for fuel, there is fuel.
7 - checked timing with cam at TDC. Timing is dead on.
8 - checked for error code on ECU by jumpering with a pin. CEL does not blink to give me a code.
9 - tried spraying started fluid into the air intake, does not start.

Please help, this has started to drive me nuts.
What else am I overlooking.

TxGreaseMonkey · Apr 25, 2010, 12:56 PM

The problem is likely distributor-related. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas have not worked at AMHD. Try installing a genuine Honda distributor housing. Aftermarket ICMs and coils have been fine, however.

Steamer123 · Apr 26, 2010, 06:28 AM

Thanks, will try that.
Will also try and switch the ECU today and see if that works. Will let you know what the problem is.

TxGreaseMonkey · Apr 26, 2010, 07:59 AM

Are you sure there was no damage from the oil being low? You may want to remove all of the spark plugs and check the compression (dry and wet). Record the results on paper; e.g.

Dry: 1, 2, 3, 4

Wet: 1, 2, 3, 4

This will help you determine if there is valve, ring, or cylinder head damage.

Steamer123 · Apr 27, 2010, 12:11 AM

I switched the ECU and no luck.
You may be right about the damage to due to low oil.
Forgot to mention that I had done the compression test and initially when I did the dry test I thought I had a reading of approximately 165psi on all four cylinders.
Well, guess what? Today I did the test again and it was a different story.
#2 cylinder was only reading 40 psi and the rest 3 remained the same as before... 165psi.
I have not done a wet test yet, but did pour a bit of oil in to the #2 cylinder and let it sit for a few minutes and then when I tried to start it, it did fire up for like almost 2 seconds and it wants to start.
My question now is if have such low compression on just one cylinder would keep it from firing up?
And secondly if it would be cheaper for me to drop in another motor and save the headache?
Thanks for your help.

Steamer123 · Apr 27, 2010, 12:16 AM

FYI,
I double checked the compression on #2 cylinder and both times it was around 40psi.
That was dry compression.
Now I am thinking that the rings may be gone or the valve seals could be shot as well.

TxGreaseMonkey · Apr 27, 2010, 05:57 AM

The compression is so low on Cylinder #2 that it would keep the engine from starting. Since the compression doesn't increase with oil being injected, there's a problem with the valves.

Steamer123 · Apr 27, 2010, 07:18 AM

Thank you so very much for helping me troubleshoot the problem. Appreciate it very much and I hope others do as well, as you have been assisting so many with their car troubles.
I will be looking for a used motor to swap this one out.
I have swapped civic engines in the past with success. Have not rebuilt one before and not planning on doing one just yet.
Once again, thank you very much TxGreaseMonkey.
Will let you know what happens.