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1986 Honda Civic hatchback, 1.3L  This beast drove into my driveway and has been sitting there untouched for 2 and a half years. I'd like to see if I can get it running as a commuter car to leave at the park and ride all day. The gas tank was almost completely empty when I parked it, I added a few gallons of fresh gas today. I changed the battery today. The electronics turn on, and the starter turns over. The engine will not get going. I hear a few pops like combustion happened a few times, but in general it just turns and turns without firing up. I'm decent with mechanical stuff, but I don't know how to start diagnosing something like this. Also, I lack most of the specialty tools so if there's a workaround for tests, those would totally help. Where should I start?
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Nov 30, 2015 01:27
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| # ? Apr 20, 2024 07:01 |
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You should have flushed the tank and changed the fuel filter. When you park for a few years, you should park it with a full tank with as little ethanol as possible and some stabilizer, otherwise condensation can form on the inside of the tank, and collect in there. engines don't like running on water, and metal bits in your fuel system can easily rust. Ethanol in moder fuels can turn to jelly, the fuel itself can turn to varnish which is tough to get out. I would imagine it's a return system, see if you can pull the return line off somewhere, and run it into a pail or clear container, have someone cycle the fuel pump and see what, if anything comes out.
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Nov 30, 2015 01:32
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Pour a little gas down the throat of the carb and try to start it again.
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Nov 30, 2015 01:39
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Under no circumstances should you attempt to follow my Civic thread for inspiration.
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Nov 30, 2015 03:44
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The carb is likely gummed up. It's likely a fuel system issue since it pops.
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Nov 30, 2015 03:48
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how can i test fuel delivery? Should I just remove and clean the carb?
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Nov 30, 2015 04:38
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It can't hurt, but the reason we're telling you to pour fuel down the carb throat is for diagnosis. If it starts when you give it fuel that way, then everything else is working right, the normal fuel delivery system isn't working right and that's your issue.
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Nov 30, 2015 05:01
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If you were in Texas, I'd tell you it was clearly beyond your abilities to repair and would offer you an insulting lowball offer. But yeah, if you're comfortable wrenching on it, rebuild the carb. If you're not, buy a rebuilt carb. The carb is likely varnished to hell and back. You can also disconnect the fuel line leading to the carb, aim it at a jar or something, and turn on the ignition for a few seconds (maybe crank it briefly). If you get fuel, the fuel pump is working. If you get a dribble or nothing, the fuel pump is probably done. IIRC the fuel pump is either in the tank or under the car.
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Nov 30, 2015 10:25
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Paladine_PSoT posted:how can i test fuel delivery? Should I just remove and clean the carb? A lot of times the fuel will evaporate and turn to varnish in the carb fuel bowls long before any other damage occurs. Sometimes you can get them running just by pouring gas down the vent tubes, or down the barrel just long enough for the fuel pump to catch up. It's redneck, but it will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine before you tear into and replace things that may not need to be replaced. I have seen cars sit longer and still fire up OK using this method.
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Nov 30, 2015 13:39
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Also when you pour fuel into the carb, be smart about it - use a funnel and keep your face away from the throat of the carb.
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Nov 30, 2015 15:34
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I tired to go outside and pour gas straight into the carb last night. The doors were frozen shut.  I'll try again after work today
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Nov 30, 2015 19:28
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It only takes a small amount, like a splash. If you have a way to fill through the vent tube that works best. Also keep a rag on hand in case it backfires. And most importantly don't try to look down the carb while the engine cranks. rdb fucked around with this message at 20:01 on Nov 30, 2015 |
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Nov 30, 2015 19:41
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Please please please have a fire extinguisher handy. Even just a small kitchen one. I'd hate to see this project literally go up in flames.
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Nov 30, 2015 21:08
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someone buy my running '86 Si and get it to this person. :kidding fix that dumpieXL fucked around with this message at 21:36 on Nov 30, 2015 |
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Nov 30, 2015 21:34
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I had an 86 CRX Si, that car was a blast until it literally rusted apart.
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Nov 30, 2015 21:45
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Force feeding it gas through the carb worked, it combusted. My wife is now concerned that I'm taking anonymous internet advice that includes having a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Now that we know it's delivery, what's next, fuel filter?
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Dec 1, 2015 01:49
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Fuel filter is always a pretty good bet, I would replace it anyway. Might also want to pop off the fuel line and feed it into a big glass jug of some sort to see what happens.
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Dec 1, 2015 02:14
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I wouldn't have gone as far as the fire extinguisher, and I usually repeat the procedure a few times (4-5) to give it time to prime the pump and fill the bowls. After that, I do what SSS says. Although it looks like a fuel pump for that is all of $5 on rock auto, so I would probably just throw one at it out of laziness.
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Dec 1, 2015 02:28
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If your wife is concerned you have a fire extinguisher when dealing with combustibles then it's clear she's trying to do you in and get your life insurance. RUNNNNNNNNN.
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Dec 1, 2015 11:50
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AI logic: Your wife is concerned about your wrenching habits gained from posting on Something Awful, so you should leave your wife.
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Dec 1, 2015 14:03
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Just give her a full service and it should stop the squeakin 
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Dec 1, 2015 14:17
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Powershift posted:Just give her a full service and it should stop the squeakin But don't pour gas down her vent hole.
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Dec 1, 2015 15:42
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ShittyPostmakerPro posted:AI logic: Your wife is concerned about your wrenching habits gained from posting on Something Awful, so you should leave your wife. ...or murder her, whichever's easier.
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Dec 1, 2015 16:36
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| # ? Apr 20, 2024 07:01 |
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88h88 posted:...or murder her, whichever's easier. You always remember your first 
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Dec 1, 2015 16:48
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