Hello. I just got a 94 Civic EX 1.5l, automatic with 174k miles, that requires a shot of starter fluid into the intake to get it running, in which it then runs and drives excellent! It'll restart within 5 minutes or so after shutdown, but much longer than that it'll again require another shot to get it going again. Compression is good, has a new fuel filter, plugs look great, fuel pump obviously works. Seems like some kind of initial burst from the injectors at start-up is not happening. Maybe a fuel pressure regulator? Any ideas? Thanks All

 

If you just got the car, the gas in the tank could be stale. Use it all out and put in some fresh.

"Compression is good..." how good? Measure the compression with the engine cold, like it is when it won't start.

 

I would be willing to bet it's the ECU. I had almost exactly the same issue, (94 dx) except mine would start for an hour or 2 after I got it running. After checking and replacing nearly everything in the starting sequence, it turned out the computer was bad.
$125 used replacement and the car starts on the first try every time for the last 4 months.

 

Check the main fuel relay first though for cold solders. It's located above the drivers kick panel.

 

Thanks all for the possible solutions, which I'll put to test tomorrow. And oh, my compression was around 160 for all 4 cylinders. Back with results soon ...