I am having a problem with my 92 civic DX. I can drive around just fine, but if I make a stop at the store for a few minutes and then try to start the car, it won’t start. It cranks away, but never catches. I have to wait a half hour, give or take, before it will start. Any ideas about what the problem might be?

 

When the engine won't start:

Test 1) Listen for the 2 second priming sound of the fuel pump in rear when the key is turned to ON(II).

If you hear priming, then check for spark:

Test 2) Pull a plug wire and insert a spare spark plug into the end. Hold the threads of the plug against a metallic area of the valve cover while a buddy cranks the engine. You should see bright whitish/bluish spark rather than weak orange spark at the tip of the plug.

If Test 1 fails, then the main relay is likely bad.

If Test 2 fails, then the igniter unit or coil in the distributor is likely bad.

My bet is on a bad main relay.

 

Thanks I will try that.
I was thinking maybe the injector(s) might be leaking by after the engine is shut off and "Flooding" making it difficult to start again.

 

I'd think main relay too. That part is infamous for not working when it is warm. Look back to last summer and you will see lots of people posting similar problems caused by hot weather.

The injectors can't leak much because the pump is off. Also flooding would clear itself especially if you hold the gas pedal on the floor and crank for several seconds. I'm sure you've already tried that though.

 

Thanks for the tips. Where is this Main Relay?

 

 

i think the battery is not on a good condition,,.or check your sparkplug,

 

Its a Brand new battery. Only 1 week old.

 

Thank you RonJ!

 

By the way, if you hear the fuel pump prime when the engine won't start, then the main relay is likely fine.