HELP NEEDED : 1990 Honda CRX Doesn't Start

[NATE0513]

Was running fine up until last week... it stalled out while I was driving it? Pulled into a parking lot and waited about 5 minutes and it started again.

Today... same thing happened accepted after 30 minutes it wouldn't start again.

There is a near full tank of gas in the car and I can smell gas at the throttle body so I'm sure it’s getting fuel.

I did a basic spark check on the wires and there seems to be no spark.

Anybody got some recommendations for me? Anything I should try?

[freakin]

If I had to guess, I'd say that it's your main fuel relay. Hondas have a lot of problems with them in the heat. It's under the dash beside the steering column. Pull it off and open it up. If it's cracked, then replace it or re-solder it.

[NATE0513]

hmmm .. even with no spark?

[h_s]

main relay, its getting too hot or something... im heading to pnp if you need one let me know

[freakin]

Oops, I didn't read the entire post. I've had coils act the same way. You might want to try another distributor from PYP. Any OBD-0 D-series should work in there (unless you've swapped the motor out). Try to find a car with lots of body damage there....I tend to stay away from the clean ones since they're usually there because they won't run.

[Schwa]

+1 for the distributor. Before swapping out the entire thing though, you may also want to check the cap and rotor for signs of corrosion or wear (which may produce a bad connection). Also yank the plugs to see if any are fouled.

Is the vehicle turning over when you try to start it?

[NATE0513]

yes it does crank but it does not start. Again absolutely no spark.

[NATE0513]

this is my daily driver and only car .. anyone got anything else. is there a way for me to find if the distributor is caked?

[NATE0513]

replaced ignition coil, dist. cap and rotor still no start, and no spark. I'm told the main relay could be the culprit, were the fuck is that thing what does it look like and were do I get one.

[racin_jayson]

the problem is most likely your ignitor, a small square module in the distributor has 3 or 4 wires going to it, they very commonly fail. I think they are about 60 bucks

[B20EF]

The main fuel relay is under dash on the drivers side, it's against the left side wall. It's a little black box and is slightly smaller than a cell phone. They cost around $80-$90 at partzone.

I used to just take out my change tray on my 89 civic and tap it with my finger, for some reason tapping the box made the fuel pump prime.

[NATE0513]

its not a fuel problem .. I can smell gas @ the throttle body. The problem is there is no spark.

[78si]

Sell it to me:dunno:

[B20EF]

Found this

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html

[NATE0513]

guys .. thx alot for the posts. anyone out there willing to fix the problem for me?

[Iqoair]

Probably ignitor , which is in the distributor. Could also be the pick up coil in the distributor, in which case you would have to get the entire assembly. Have someone properly diagnose it before wasting your money on something you don't need.

[h_s]

just replace the main relay, any 88-91 civic/crx relay will work.. its right around the hood release behind the plastic trim, held by one 10mm bolt with 7 wires coming out of it.. 90 bux at autovalue but free99 @ pick n pull

[NATE0513]

Anyone going to pick n pull or a wrecker today? I need a main relay, and ignitor for my 90 crx. I'll pay for the parts + some cash for grabbing them. I'm working all day, have no to grab them b4 5 and no way to get out there.


ANYONE?

[NATE0513]

Had the car looked at .. aparently it needs a new distributor. I'm going to go to pick n pull on saturday to get the entire assembly, plus a main relay for good measure. Is this a big job to do?

[HuMz]

Not sure about the main relay but the distributor is pretty easy....pick up a haynes manual if you don't already have one.

[Unknown303]

I had a similar problem with my cavalier when i first bought it, would drive for .5 hour or so and it would just die. Replaced all kinds of crap then took it to a dealership and it was the injector wires something about them being broken or something. After they changed them out its been fine ever since. Although its still a cavalier.

[Iqoair]

Originally posted by NATE0513
Had the car looked at .. aparently it needs a new distributor. I'm going to go to pick n pull on saturday to get the entire assembly, plus a main relay for good measure. Is this a big job to do?

Main relay is for fuel only. Your problem is no spark. Has nothing to do with the main relay. The relay is simple. On or off. It's a fuel cut relay for your fuel pump.

[NATE0513]

anyone have anything to add in regards to changing out the distributor?

Any hints and tips in regards to changing it?

[h_s]

i can help ya out if you need, pm me if you need help

all the manuals say put the motor to tdc but i dont, pull off the dizzy cap, mark where the rotor is pointing, take off the 3 bolts for the dizzy and throw it away (well... keep the ign coil and ignition control module for safe measures) put on the new dizzy, its hooks up to the camshaft and theres only 2 ways to install it (with the rotor pointing to the original mark that you made or the complete opposite) you probably guessed it... point the rotor the the mark that you already made and tighten the 3 bolts and your done

well... your not quite done, the ignition timing has to be set, any dealer or service shop can do this but if you have access to a timing light you can do this yourself (i dont know the specs but a haynes manual should)

[NATE0513]

props to primer_drift for helping take care of it. distributor replaced and she is back on the streets.

thx everyone for the help!

-NATE