I just bought a 90 canadain model civic hatchback si. It has 185k on it and it won't start. The vehicle cranks but not a normal crank more of a whrrr than anything. I do how ever have spark when I pulled all 4 plugs. I am pretty sure we are getting fuel because when I pulled the plugs out they were heavily doused in fuel. I have checked the timing belt to make sure that it isn't broken and it isn't. I have checked to make sure that the pistons are moving and they all seem to be moving. Not really sure where to go from here. Any suggestions I have heard about the main relay but not sure if that is my problem but worth a shot.

 

As it doesn't sound normal, check the cam timing as well as the compression. You could have valve damage (or merely adjusted too tight). One dead cylinder makes these engines very hard to start.