Engine cranks but not start up?

HOX_HOX

MEMBER
1997 HONDA CIVIC
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
70,000 MILES

I have checked for fuel, spark and air. I have fuel since I looked down the spark plug holes and there was fuel in the cylinders. I have spark because I saw my plugs spark when out of the engine. My fuel pump does take a while to prime, would that be a cause to a no start? The main relay seems fine.

7 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Yes, to answer your question having a fuel pump that is weak or failing by not supplying enough fuel pressure can cause a no start condition.I would suggest doing a fuel pressure test.If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I've attached a picture below showing the fuel pressure specifications for your Honda.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 11:59 AM

HOX_HOX

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4 POSTS

Don't I need the car to idle for this test? I can't do that since the car doesn't start.

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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

This sounds like a fuel pump or the crankshaft angels sensor 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.

Danny-

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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 12:52 PM

HOX_HOX

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I checked the fuel pressure when the pump primed, it goes to about 30 PSI (second try it went up to 40 PSI) then it drops down to about 5 PSI, then 1 PSI and stays there for like 30 seconds to 1 minute then goes to 0 PSI. Is it supposed to go down to 0 or was it supposed to hold some pressure still?
I also did a compression check after this and the numbers are:

Cylinder 1: 180 PSI
Cylinder 2: 180 PSI
Cylinder 3: 180 PSI
Cylinder 4: Around 200-205 almost 210 PSI

Test was done when car is cold since it can't start anyways.

Motor is a B18C1.

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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 5:30 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

It sounds like the fuel pump is failing.The fuel pressure needs to always stay constant.It should not drop at all.I would suggest replacing the fuel pump.It is an in-tank pump and I will attach the repair steps below.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros

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