SilverCRXSi

Hey,
I have ZC in my CRX with the Si ECU.
My problem is that the motor dies out after a few minutes of driving (or idling) as if the whole powerband is just taken away. My radio keeps on playing so I know its not the battery or the alternator.
After letting the car sit for about 2 minutes it starts up again as if nothing was wrong only to die out a few minutes later. (Getting stuck while making a left hand turn sucks!)
I was told to replace the distributor, which I did but didn't fix the problem. I was also told to check the grounds on the car (which hasn't helped either)
So now I really don't have much of a lead to go on. All I have to go on really is to replace the fuel filter (cheap part so I may as well) and someone suggested that it could possibly be my TPS.
Any other suggestions?

I was also told to check for shorts, but to be honest I have no idea how and where to begin looking for a short circuit.

Also since I'm not running the ZC ECU, could that possibly be preventing me from getting any codes (hence why I'm stuck) or would the ECU's not make a difference? Although I doubt it.

Any help/leads would be greatly appreciated.
I'm a poor student (still paying off my swap) so I would like to possibly be able to pay it off myself or IF I do have to take it to Honda atleast know what will have to be replaced/fixed.
Taking a car to a mechanic and asking them to find a problem w/o being specific is like goin to jail and having your cellmate named bubba "sleep" with ya everynight.

Thanks in advance. I just want my CRX back!

speedracer

hey, u can buy my zc DOHC off of me....it flies

Rice Burner

Could be the ignition modual, I have a similar prob., at a certain temp it'll die but if you wait it'll start again, or wait while warming it up to full running temp. no prob. Also it could be the main relay.

imported_My Blue Si

I was just about to suggest the main relay also, my car does that too sometimes but it shut off in like 3-5 seconds after it starts. The main relay goes for like $200-$250 at Honda .

About the ecu, shouldn't matter which one your using. My Si ecu was throwing the correct codes when I had a tps problem with my motor.

Jugglez

is the 4th gen relay different than the 5th gen? cuz i paid $80 for it at dalt's honda.

imported_My Blue Si

Not sure, but Number 7 wanted like 2 something for a new relay plus tax. Doesen't our club get the discount at one of the dealerships? Is that the one you wen't to?

Jugglez

we get a discount at roadsport at kennedy & ellesmere. i go to dalt's only cuz it's alot closer to me.

SilverCRXSi

I highly doubt its the ignnition coil since its in the distributor and I replaced them. That didn't solve the problem.
Or am I thinking of the wrong part?

By the main relay do you mean the main fuse in the engine? The last time that one died on me the car wouldn't start at all. Wouldn't even turn over...

imported_My Blue Si

No not the fuse, the actual main relay system. You'll find it above the hood latch under your dash. You'll see a box that says main relay on it.

Juggz maybe they're different but that's what I got quoted when I dropped by Number 7, damn $80 that's pretty cheap.

Jugglez

i just checked Majestic Honda's website. the price for a 4th gen Civic main relay is $42 USD. The guy at Number 7 misquoted you (or tried to rip you off)

imported_My Blue Si

42 U.S :heartattack:

Number 7

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

After it cuts out and won't restart does it turn over? If so, check what you are missing, air, fuel, or spark? Then focus on that aspect of the system. You didn't give us much to go on.

SilverCRXSi

After it dies out it will turn over, but won't crank (start), after waiting for a few minutes it will restart again, only to die out a few minutes later.
As far as I can tell I'm not missing fuel, air or spark...
Reason why confused big time!

imported_gatherer

if you arn't missing one of those three then it would run ... I'm thinking something with fuel .. if you can put a fuel pressure gauge on and see what happens to the pressure when it dies it would be useful info ... maybe clogged injectors or a bad pump or a dirty fuel filter....

SilverCRXSi

I guess I could check my fuel pump switch...

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

So it cranks but won't catch... and have you LOOKED for air fuel and spark?? Or are you saying... "it looks like there is but I never checked" Check spark first, it's easiest to check. Then check fuel... pull the injectors out and see that each of them sprays. Check fuel pressure. Often a failing pump will cause this behaviour.

SilverCRXSi

I had someone help me out yesterday.
The car is getting spark and air (we can hear the air filter through the intake) as well as getting fuel.
There is something that is that is causing the fuel to just die out though.
I have to take it to Honda to check my fuel pressure and pump though since I can't do it myself.

I haven't checked my injectors but if it was them, the engine would run rough all the time though.

I hope its not more than $400 from Honda! I'm poor!

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

My guess is pump... but w/o the fuel pressure check I can't say for sure.

SilverCRXSi

That was a quick response!

We were able to see that the fuel pump is getting power (voltage) but that was about it. So it may be working, but just not properly.
After 14yrs though, my car may be due for another fuel pump...

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

It's not an uncommon failure. I'll have an extra pump when I pull the stock one out to be replaced with the Holley one. But I guess you can't wait months upon months for me to get my lazy *** to turbo my car... You know, stock pumps sell for like $20 USD on ebay... when ppl upgrade. You should be able to use any honda pump from any fuel injected year... from 88Si - 01 GSR and even preludes and everything inbetween. Only the Prelude uses a bigger pump, I think all the other ones are just about equal in flow.