Engine flooding

1987 HONDA CRX
65,000 MILES
Avatar
TINTINMILOU
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My 1987 Honda CRX with 65,000 miles has run great. All of a sudden one morning, it would no longer start. After lots of attempted diagnosis, and replacing the coil, igniter, distributor cap, rotor, plug wires, I took it to my mechanic and he says the engine is flooding. Why would it start doing this from one day to the next? Now, occasionally it will start and run fine, and then I have to crank the engine for a full minute or more before it will relucantly catch and run.
How do I fix this?
Sep 15, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS

That would depend on whether the flooding is due to non starting or the carburettor/injectors is/are not functioning correctly.

If it is flooding because of no sparks and repeatedly cranking the engine, problem should have been solved by replacement of the parts mentioned.

Have you confirmed that there are sparks at the plugs?
Is this a carburetted or fuel injection model?
Sep 15, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Avatar
TINTINMILOU
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It's a carburetted engine. And yes, I'm getting spark. I pulled the top off the carb, and the float chamber looks clean, and float and needle move freely....
Sep 20, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
At the side of carb there is a sight window. Ensure the fuel level is midway between the glass window when engine is off or running. If the spark plugs are not sooty, you could be starving of fuel instead of flooding.

Flooding can occur if there are vacuum leakages or the auto choke is stuck closed.

Sep 21, 2011 at 7:43 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle