Car Start-up Problems

[farkmedead]

Ok ladies and gentlemen,

I've done a search and haven't quite found the answer.

I've got a 93 Civic EG Breeze with the stock engine (185000 kms), everytime i try to start it up (cold start), it cranks but doesnt turn on. It takes approximately 4-5 goes to get it to start and the little oil light and battery light is on when i try to start.

I tried to leave the key in stage 2 for a minute before starting up but it still does the same thing.

I also tried to let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off but i get the same result.

I have a cadence 4x50 rms amp and a 12 inch sony explod subwoofer. Most times i've tried to start up, the sound system was on but even with it off, the problem still occurs.

I don't think it's the battery or alternator because the car runs fine once it's started, all the lights in the car work fine and the sound system is stable.

I parked the car outside for a few hours and when i went to start it up again, it started perfectly. So it only happens when i leave it for a long period of time, say 18+ hours?

EDIT: Tried starting again, just clicked, no cranking and when it's in stage 2 the cd player wont even power up and when i press the brake pedal, lights dim on the dash. AND alarm just died.

should i try jump starting or just get a new battery altogether?

[trism]

its coz its a carby and its cold

have you tried pumping the accelerator when you turn it over?

[bennjamin]

new spark plugs or new battery. might help it start "quicker"

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

Just dont pump the accelerator too much though ,eh?

and the above helps somewhat to

Also (just a thought) if its been getting progressively worse it may be your starter motor starting to pass away

[farkmedead]

ah k, i'll try pumping the accelerator.

and to shogun: i'll keep an eye out on the progress but i really do hope it doesn't get any worse! how much would it cost to replace a starter motor anyway?

thanks alot guys!

[TODA AU]

Edit...
Instead of my initial silly remarks,
Get a strong lead light an have a real good look to see if you can see any splits in any vaccum line.
Pay particular attention to the small rubber bellows on the side of the carb too...
If there are cracks etc, replace the lines as nessesary.
But don't mix them up. (trust me on this or you'll regret it)
If the idle is low after initial start, adjust the cold idle up,
It's the screw under the large silver actuator (saucer)
Remove the air cleaner etc..
Spray a good wack of carb cleaner through the carb, closed & open by hand.
It'll take a while to get running again after that but it should sort it out.

If this doesn't work, you may have to adjust the idle mixture screw at the base of the carb.
Depending on the model you may or may not be able to do this easily.
(Some have a shitty blonking cover on them)

Failing that again,
Pull the carb & put a fuel meiser kit through it & clean all of the parts.
Hope that helps...
Cheers

[beeza]

What the???

Blow the engine up???

[jimbean]

185000km thats pretty low miles, how cold is it when you try and start it? how good is your spark? When it gets dark start it up open the bonnet and see if your spark is jumping to anywhere on the engine. Renewing all ignition parts it should start quicker, headgasket hasn't failed? mayo on the oil cap?

[farkmedead]

So I tried pumping the accelerator, and it worked! Started first go.

I'll see how it behaves over the next few weeks and keep you guys updated.

Once again, thank you to everyone!

[trism]

lol

thats what happens with a carby

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

Good work fark

Keep us posted.

[farkmedead]

Ok guys, I tried starting it today and it makes a clicky sound but doesnt crank. and when I press the brake pedal, the lights on the dash go dim.

Most likely battery dead? I sure hope it's not the alternator or starter motor.