Hi all,

I have a 1998 Honda Civic Si Coupe (EX model in US). It has about 100000 miles on it. Im having problems starting the car when not used for 3-4 hours. When I come out in the morning I have to crank the engine over for 30-45 seconds 2 or 3 times to get it started. It doesn't matter if it is cold or warm outside. When I turn the key to ignition, I can hear the fuel pump making the clicking sound, but then it just cranks and cranks. When it finally starts, the motor runs rough for a few minutes. After that, the car runs fine. I can shut it off and it will start on the first try. I can leave it off for 3-4 hours and it will start with no problems. After a while it will have a problem starting.

I replaced spark plugs, distributor rotor and cap, spark plug wires and a fuel filter. Still same issue. Battery is good. I had it tested.

I niticed that when I turn the ignition on and wait for the fuel pump to finish the buzzing (or clicking sound), then shut of and do the same thing 5 or 6 times, it is much easier to start. I begin to think it may be the fuel pump problem but the car runs fine otherwise.

Any experts out there can suggest something?

The car has the 127hp SOHC VTEC engine and manual transmission.

 

maybe youre not puttin the clutch in:rofl:
JK idk, wow im gonna get flamed for that

 

I thought you drive a Honda? Or maybe a Ford Escort and just have all of those specs written down on the bottom because you wish you drove a Honda. (See, you got flamed)

Anyways.. If I didn't pressed the clutch the engine would not crank.

 

nah, i was just playin, i dont know what could be wrong, sorry

 

I'm guessing you have a bad pump or a clogged pump strainer. Does it feel like your car has lost power? You may need to check fuel pressure. Unless you have the tools and knowledge to do this, it's best left to a service tech. They know what to look for and what the pressure should be. It could also be a plugged return line or a bad fuel pressure regulator. Those are my guesses. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

 

I tried unplugging the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. No change. Still hard starting.

 

from the haynes trouble shooting:

Engine hard to start when cold:
1. Battery discharged or low
2. Malfunctioning fuel system
3. Injector(s) leaking
4. Distributor rotor carbon tracked

if you've never replaced your battery, i would replace it anyway.i had to replace my battery when my car had 65kmi on it.

 

Battery is good. It cranks ok. Had it tested. Fuel system could be the issue. Im starting to suspect the fuel pump. Replaced the rotor. Never tested the injectors. Can I test that or do I need to take it in?

 

i do not know much about cars but ... my friend had the same type symptoms on an older model civic and had to get the fuel pump relay fixed... what does it even do?

 

it basically actuates the fuel pump. his should be OK since his car runs (but has a hard time starting).

zuczek: did/do u ever run really close to empty? it can cause extra strain on ur fuel pump and wear it out prematurely