General engine questions/issues that aren't specific to the other categories
By eljay
#79857 Hello,
I parked my 92 Civic EX 4-door (auto) and when I came back 2 weeks later to start it, it is turning over, but will not start.
Here's what I've checked so far:
When I turn the key, check engine light goes off, I hear the main relay click, I hear fuel pump buzzing (I can also smell gas in the engine). I also checked all fuses with a test light under the dash and under the hood. All are good.

Then I wanted to check for spark, but since I don't know what I'm doing, I pulled the spark plug cap and I saw the long black tube that connects to the spark plug itself. Is that what should produce a spark if held against the engine block or chassis? Well, it didn't, but I'm not convinced I held it correctly, as I don't see any metal parts that would generate the spark.

So, there it is. Fuses are good, fuel is getting where it should, starter turns. I guess I need to verify spark next, but I don't know how. Could it also be a distributor? How would I check that without taking things apart unnecessarily?

Thanks!
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By mooze
#79891 could b the distro. i would check plugs and wires first tho
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By biretsu89
#79922 to remove your distributor cap and have someone crank the motor... see if it spins or looks like its having a seizure.. haha
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By Classiccarsrule85
#79925 ok what you do is you either use one of your spark plugs or get a used one that you know is ok and take the spark plug cable from its hole that connects to the spark plug. (hopfully you knwo what i mean any of the wires will do just get the spark plug side off ) and then attach the spark plug to the wire and then hold it to the exhaust manifold and have a buddy turn over the car and you should see a spark and just to be sure you can turn the lights off or wait till dark its a little easier to see then.....

now if that dosent happen I would check your distributor cap for any condensation, worn terminal ends as well and i would also check your rotor for wear and build up. if this all checks out i would check the resistance or whatever that term is.....but yea check your distributors resistance and either refer to a repair manual for the correct resistance or im sure one of the people here on civic eg can definately help out in that dept. but yea that way you can see if its your dist or something else......

And if there is condensation in said dist. id get a new seal and then if the dist tests bad at that point may be an easy fix by swapping out one of the sensors for another off a good distrib or something like that