Thanks Steve. I don't think it's fuel pump related in my case, I do hear it working (and I know when to listen for it and how it sounds). One interesting observation - I did not have this problem since I finally managed to replacethe fuel filter. https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_31.../tm.htm#311115
I keep watching, though.

 

i was goin to say you should try replacing your fuel filter, i had this problem on my old car (non honda) but the symptoms were identical, what was happenin is it'd periodically clog and it'd take a while for the deposits to slowly diminish allowing gas to flow then clog again etc.

 

May be carbon build-up on your cylinder walls. The build-upmakes these little pin heads that once the car is hot and running ,glow red hot. Those red hot pin heads act like glow plugs in a diesel and detonate the fuel as it enters the cylinder and a non-start occurs. Given enough time to cool, it's business as usual.

Try some decarbonizer from your local auto parts and see if that helps.

 

I don't see how this will prevent engine from starting, though. Thanks anyway