1994 Honda Civic DX with the 1.5L

It cranks but won't start. I've replaced the following:

- Main relay
- Igniter (in distributor)
- Distributor Cap/Rotor

I tested the coil according to the service manual and it tested fine. I then tested each spark plug individually and all spark. I smell fuel on the plugs and at the exhaust outlet but haven't done a formal fuel system test yet.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
-dougl

 

Is the CEL ON?

Can you hear the fuel pump priming for a few seconds when you turn the key to ON?

Have you checked whether the timing belt slipped a few teeth?

 

The CEL light comes on for the standard 2 seconds and then goes off when I turn the ignition on. Yes, I do hear the fuel pump.

Haven't checked the timing belt for slipping. What's the best way to test that?

Thanks,
-dougl

 

You need to remove the valve cover and then the upper timing belt cover to inspect the timing belt. See the link in my signature for the 92-95 Civic manual. It has diagrams showing how to determine whether the cam and crank are not synchronized at TDC. Also check the condition of the timing belt. Be aware that, if the belt skipped some teeth, then major engine damage may have occurred (hopefully not).

 

I'm a little skeptical about it being the timing belt since the car never stranded me.

 

It's had an intermittent problem starting which I thought was the main relay.

 

but that's not the issue here since I've just replaced the main relay.

 

I presume that if the PGM-FI computer was dead that I would get the CEL light, right?

 

(sorry about all the short replies...can't seem to post it all on one reply due to forum errors)

 

Check the timing. You've already gone thru the other more common causes.

The computer is OK because you get sparks, the pump primes, and the CEL goes on and off. All of those go thru the computer. You could try pulling codes.