Starting problem

Tiny
JDM_CALII559
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 240,000 MILES
My car has 240,000 miles on it. But swapped engine only has 90,000 on it. It cranks but will not turn on. Timing belt is good, spark is good, new whole distributor, new fuel filter, fuses are good, fuel pump is good and injectors are good. It stutters like it wants to turn on but doesn't ignite. Any idea what it might be? Also there is no check engine light on.
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 AT 6:09 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,779 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If you have spark and fuel, it should run. Now, I can't see the tachometer when cranking, so make sure it is moving a bit. Next, and to be honest, it doesn't sound like the timing is right. The times it sounds like it's trying to start doesn't sound like ignition to me, but rather low compression in one of the cylinders.

With that in mind, I suggest doing a compression test. Here is a link that shows in general how compression is tested:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Here are the specs and specifics to your vehicle for testing compression. You can't do it at normal operating temperature, but do it as is.

Check compression with engine at normal operating temperature and throttle in wide open position. Prior to performing test, disable ignition and fuel injection to prevent fuel from being sprayed into cylinders while cranking engine. Ensure is fully charged and that cranking speed is 250 RPM. Standard reading should be 135-184 psi. The maximum variation between cylinders is 28 psi.

Also, make sure the distributor is correctly installed and the firing order is correct. See picture 1 for firing order. On the distributor, make sure the plug wires correlate with the correct positions as well as the plugs.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 11:38 AM

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