Hi, my son has a 97 Civic EX. He recently said his oil light came on, but he didn't add any oil. Then one morning he was warming it up to go to school. He went inside the house and when he came out, it wasn't running.
Now, it will crank, but won't start.
It has plenty of gas. And fuel pressure in the lines all the way to the injectors.
I checked the spark plugs and got good spark.
It doesn't seem to be a timing belt.
Any thoughts?
A neighbor who is a mechanic thinks the engine may be blown. He says it sounds like no compression. If that's the case, what's to be done about it? New engine.
I would appreciate any ideas you may have.
Thanks.

 

I agree with the neighbor - compression test the cylinders. If low, I'd replace the entire engine given that it was run without oil.

 

how do I do that?

 

Click the compression link in my signature.

Is spark bright white at the plugs?

Do the fuel injectors clips have battery voltage and pulse when the engine is cranking?

Have you checked the mechanical timing?

 

I don't remember the color of the spark - wouldn't it at least sound like it's trying to start with a weak spark?
No on the timing. Is that something that would just go out while the car is running?
Haven't checked the clips yet.

Thanks

 

Spark that is not bright white will not ignite the fuel.

Correct mechanical timing:

 

I'll start with a re-look at the spark and then a compression test.
Saw your post for that, looks pretty straightforward.
What range of PSI should I be looking for?
What will I likely see if it's blown?

 

Do the compression test exactly as described in Forty's DIY thread. Spec cylinder compression is about 180 PSI. Post your numbers.

 

OK, I checked the spark again and it looked pretty weak.
From other places on this forum, I gather that's a coil problem?
Is the only solution a new one?
Is it pretty easy to swap out?
Thanks,

Chris

 

Replace the coil.