My gf has a 97 LX that died about 50 miles from home the other night. It wasn't getting fuel, so a friend of hers replaced the fuel pump. Now it will start and runs for about 10 - 15 minutes, then it dies. It will start and run for a few, then dies again. There doesn't seem to be any consistency to how long it stays running, but it does always stall out within 15 minutes or so.

My first thought was a foreign object in the tank, but the guy who replaced the pump said there's nothing in there. After looking around, I also thought:

Air in the fuel line (should have been forced out by now.)
EGR valve (God I hope not, and it seems like that would also affect the engine performance, which is perfect while running)
Fuel Pump relay (I know older Civics had an issue with this, but when I tried to price a relay for the 97, no one carries the part! Does it even have a relay, or is that handled by the ECU on this car?)
Injector problem (again, no problem while it runs)

Any idea where I should look next? Coil? Distributor? (cap and button were just replaced) I'm going to reset the ECU next and see if that helps (Disconnect the negative, turn the headlights on and let it sit for a couple minutes just to make sure all the residual power is drained, right?)

Any help you guys can throw my way would be greatly appreciated!

 

My first instinct would be the fuel filter.

Also though, since it's intermittent, it could be a ground.

By the way... welcome to the site.

 

are you sure its fuel when it dies out now?

 

Just a guess.


Catalytic converter.


quick and easy test. Pop out the pre-cat O2 sensor (you'll get a MIL/CEL, that's okay ...) If it doesn't die after 10-15 minutes then your catalytic converter is clogged.

 

when it dies u gotta see weather your missin fuel or spark

 

I would try the distributor. I had that happen with a Camry after replacing all the same things as you stated including the coil. It would jerk and keep stalling after it was running for awhile. Finally the distributor crapped out for good leaving us stranded and costing $400 instead of just replacing the distributor.

 

Thanks for the help. After everything, she ended up with a new fuel pump, filter, a tune up, and a new distributor. The car is running like it's new! Thanks again!