87 CRX Si -- Won't Start

[StarWrist]

I have an '87 CRX Si with 253,000 miles on it. Recently, she has had problems starting up. She would make the sound as if she wasn't getting enough power supply. But then she would crank right up. As time went on, the chugging for power grew longer while the viciousness of the start dwindled. Finally, after parking it over night, it won't grab any spark? Any clues? Bad starter or distributor? ECU or possible ignition system?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Figori]

First thing to check is your battery. Next, see if you are getting power inside. If you are, turn the key and see if it makes any noises. Whether or not it does, look under the passenger side seat for the ECU lights, and find the codes. Post what you find, and we'll be able to help you better. And Welcome to the boards!

[StarWrist]

My PGM-FI light is not on. But the ECU LED returned:

8-4-x-1

Which is number #15.

But under the sympton it says: Poor accleration at high altitudes or trouble during a cold start. It says to check the atmospheric sensor...? Where exactly can this be located?

But I don't think that this is my problem. The car won't start at all. The timing is on. The alternator is good. The battery is good. I can't really check the distributor because one of the screws holding the cap on is messed up, I can't get any bite on it. I'm at a total loss as to the problem...

When you turn the key on, you can hear the fuel pump turn on. So I'm pretty sure that it's getting fuel, just no spark...

What's the easiest way to get to the starter? Isn't it on the firewall side of the engine?

Thanks in advance.

[lxndr]

This seems like a battery voltage issue, but you say the battery is good, and I'm not convinced that the starter is to blame, so here's my idea:

I'm pretty sure you've got spark. Simply because you've checked the timing, and a timing light won't work without spark. Check to make sure that your plug wires are routed correctly and you will eventually need to check the condition of your cap and rotor. This may mean that you will have to destroy the cap in order to get the screw out. I would use a Dremel with a small cut off wheel to cut the head off of the screw, the cap should just slide right off allowing you to get a set of channel-locks on the remaining screw, or if you can get a drill in there just drill the head off.

Check all of your fuses including the main box located on the right side strut tower (left side if looking under the hood).

Make sure that your battery has between 11.5 - 14 volts and if it still doesn't start, then replace the starter.

The starter is on the left side of the engine above the transmission (assuming that you are still looking under the hood).

Hope this helps.