Turns over but will not start?

KAI ERFLE

MEMBER
1991 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
9,320,568 MILES

Hi there, I've been having problems with my car lately. It runs most of the time but in the last two weeks I had a problem where it was turning over but not starting. I got it towed to a mechanic and they called me the next day and said it started every time. Today I tried to start it and the same thing, it won't start.

Thursday, October 31st, 2019 AT 9:35 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

We can assume this either fuel or ignition related. Next time this happens, get a can of starter fluid ready and see if it starts when you spray a little in the intake. If it does, then the fuel pump may be going out. One way to confirm that is to turn the key a number of times so the pump primes the system.

This sounds like a fuel pump or the distributor has gone out. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.

The other is ignition which can be tested by pulling a plug out and holding it against the block while cranking to see if you have spark. If not then we need to dig into the ignition system.

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