HELP, 89 civic 1.5 won`t start

[SteVB]

I just bought this car not running($500), the last owner said it was an intermittent problem. it would randomly start or not start. totally unpredictable. no pattern as to when hot or cold or anything.it seems to have no spark & no fuel from me checking it out. NOTE: Car IS from Michigan,so it has a good deal of rust, including under the hood.

* I checked the codes: only code is 16-fuel injector,BUT i dont hear the pump coming on at all when i turn the key on.(will pull the line later.)
* shot starting fluid into air intake where hose connects ,then cranked,....NOTHING.
* it isnt getting any spark either. i changed the coil, it sounded like it fired only twice, but didnt start.returned coil to AZ.
* the dist. shaft is tight, no slopping around like the shaft bearing is bad.
* i cleaned & scraped the ground connection at thermostat housing, but it looked fine.
* all fuses are good, under dash & hood.
* pulled out main relay, took cover off, it LOOKED okay replaced cover. plugged it in & tapped it with screwdriver while cranking ,..... NOTHING.
*took fuel pump access cover off under back seat, plug is plugged in, but forgot my test light, so i`ll check that tomorrow.

Any other ideas / suggestions????? Much appreciated
Steve

[civickiller]

i would say start with the fuel system then work from there

is there power going to the fuel pump ?

[SteVB]

Originally Posted by civickiller

i would say start with the fuel system then work from there

is there power going to the fuel pump ?

Like i said in the last line, its plugged in, but i forgot my test light, so i`ll make sure to bring it tomorrow & see if its gettin power.

I`m kinda thinkin between fuel pump,distributor, & main relay.Hmmmm...

[sblkcamaro70]

dont over look the basics... check the timing... you never know sometimes the belt jumps. get spark first dont worry about fuel. trust me

[SteVB]

Originally Posted by sblkcamaro70

dont over look the basics... check the timing... you never know sometimes the belt jumps. get spark first dont worry about fuel. trust me

Yes, already checked the timing belt, its fine.

does the Main relay control the fuel AND the spark????????

[bigoldchevytoo]

My 91 wouldn't start earlier this year, had no spark and was putting out no codes on the 'puter. As it turned out, there was a fuel problem that prevented spark; contrary to some of the advice I received a fuel problem can prevent spark. To this day don't fully understand what was wrong with the damn thing but once we resoldered the main relay and jumpstarted the fuel pump the thing ran again.

[pimpendacavi06]

sounds like the disributer my friend was having the same problem when he used to own the car then he replaced it and it worked fine.

[WDELOAD]

I would test the distributer if its ok than check the injectors, spark plugs and spark plug wires to make sure your getting power threw them.. also do your lights and stuff work.. my crx didn't start or anything because my battery cables were to rusty

[SteVB]

Originally Posted by WDELOAD

I would test the distributer if its ok than check the injectors, spark plugs and spark plug wires to make sure your getting power threw them.. also do your lights and stuff work.. my crx didn't start or anything because my battery cables were to rusty

yes, the lights & all work & it cranks, just no spark & the fuel pump isnt working. i got a main relay from the junkyard yesterday, so i`ll put it in tomorrow.

[SteVB]

I found out what it was. the ,main relay AND the fuel pump.changed the main relay, then the fuel pump relay part of it was clicking ,and i had spark, but i wasnt hearing the pump itsself. so i sprayed starting fluid & it ran as long as i sprayed. now i just need to tow it home, drop the tank, flush it & put in a new fuel pump.then i can start driving the 500.00 civic.
YAY!!!! :-D