I have a 94 Civic DX with the D15B7 (234,700 miles)

When I started up my car today, it ran for about 3 seconds then died. Wouldn't start back up. It had fuel and semi-weak spark. I replaced the coil, and tried a spare ignition module. Right after I replaced the coil it ran pretty rough for a few seconds then died. After that, the sound the engine made when cranking indicated it wasn't producing any compression. The distributer still turns, so the timing belt hasn't broken. My best guess is that the belt has slipped. Any other ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I know it has a lot of miles, but this car is my baby and I refuse to let it die now.

 

Is spark at all four plugs still weak? If so, the coil is likely bad. A new coil can blow if there's a problem with the plugs, wires, cap, and/or rotor. Check those out.

 

I already replaced the coil. the wires and plugs are pretty new, and I changed the cap and rotor the day before.

 

Definitely check the timing next. You only need to remove the upper plastic cover (which does require lifting the valve cover as it hooks underneath) to see the marks on the cam pulley.

 

Timing is good. White mark on the crank pulley lines up with the arrow when cam pulley is in position. What gives?

EDIT: I also tried a spare ECU, no change. I think the sound it makes while cranking indicates poor compression, so monday i'll push it into the shop (It's currently sitting in my school parking lot) and do a compression test. I just don't know what could have happened to cause this, it was running as great as ever right before it died. If I keep it cranking, it wants to start but just can't do it.

Keep up the good work, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help.

 

You mentioned weak spark. It is the elephant in the room.

 

Yeah. I was thinking of getting a distributer from picknpull today, just to make sure.

 

Also check for ECU codes, it could be a sensor failure.

 

I got it running again, it turned out to be the ECU ground connection. I cleaned that, and it started right up.

Thanks for the help, you guys are awesome.

 

Glad to hear the problem is fixed. Just an FYI. If the thermostat housing ground is bad, the fuel pump also generally fails to prime and the CEL remains on steady even with the service connector jumped. Checking those items would have helped to rapidly pinpoint the problem.