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takviator · Dec 14, 2011, 02:37 PM

Hi there,
This car 1992 honda civic 1.5L enginge won't start. It was driving and stall it down and now won't start.

1, its cranking well battery full charged.

2, the engine light is on when ignition key is second position witch is ON position and goes off after shows 2 second.

3, fuel is coming out at fuel filter. I also changed fuel filter. Also smells fuel from cylinder when I crank the engine without spark plugs. Also smell from muffler when spark plugs are on.

4, All spark plugs are sparks good.

5, cylinder compression are cylinder 1:1000kpa 2:1080kpa 3:800kpa 4:900kpa
I check number 3 and 4 is under limit but doesn't fire any cylinder at all. I think at least they have little symptom to try to start or fire the cylinder even if 2 cylinders are not enough compression, other 2 cylinders are good compression.

6,I try troubleshooting flow chart from service manual. Check the voltage at control unit between A23 and A24. It was less than 1V.

7, I check timing belt position. It was good.

8, I check coolant temperature sensor itself. It has 6.4K Oms when around 0 to -2C (31F) witch is working the sensor.

9, I check MAP sensor. It was working when I apply the vacuum by vacuum pump.

10, I check throttle position sensor. Its working. But the showing voltage is opposite from service manual.
The service manual says when throttle closed(Idle) 0.2Volts, Full throttle 4.0Volts.
But when I checked the voltage when closed(Idle) 4.0Volts, Full throttle 0.2Volts. Which is weird.
11, fuel injector connector terminal resistance all good.

What else should I check? I will going to exact fuel presser when I get fuel presser gauge.

I'm sticking now what can I else to do...

It was driving OK. And all of sudden stall and never start again. Had OK compression, good air, nothing stuck at exhaust, good spark, smell fuel.

Please someone help me.

Thank you.

TxGreaseMonkey · Dec 14, 2011, 02:43 PM

Since the Check Engine Light comes on and goes off normally, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), the problem is likely distributor related. Usually, replacing the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil solves the problem. Be sure to apply silicone heat transfer grease to the back of the new ICM. Your Civic may be sparking, but not when the ECM wants it to; hence, the smell of fuel. If the problem persists, install the new ICM and coil in a new genuine Honda distributor housing--all other distributor housings are unreliable.

takviator · Dec 14, 2011, 03:05 PM

Hi TxGreaseMonkey,

Thank you so much for quick answer.
So is that ICM broken by heat and give the some weird spark timing? I will try change distributor assy.

Thank you.

takviator · Dec 14, 2011, 04:43 PM

Thank you TxGreaseMonkey.

I changed distributor. Now is working fine,
Thank you again.

TxGreaseMonkey · Dec 14, 2011, 05:42 PM

Very nice job. That's the fastest repair I've seen, since I've been at AMHD. Yes, ICMs usually fail due to heat. In the mean time, they can erratically spark and lead people to believe everything is fine. Through experience, I knew this was likely your situation. I recommend proactively replacing ICMs and coils every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. Didn't I earn a "Helpful" posting, in the Comments on this Post?