Honda Civic 1.7L starts, runs, stalls (incorrect timing belt installation)

Conventional wisdom tells us to check for spark, fuel and compression during no start diagnostics. Where do you go when you have all three? This video explores multiple ways to test for ignition and valve timing issues, and how you can be confident in your call before spending labor time on tear down/inspection.

Engine Performance Diagnostics chapter 23

Symptoms
- starts, runs, stalls

Fix
- reset the timing belt

Tests shown
- how to add fuel to the intake to check for a fuel delivery issue
- how to check for spark with an incandescent test light
- how to check for an exhaust backpressure issue by removing the upstream O2 sensor
- how to check fuel pressure with a gauge
- how to check for fuel injection pulse with an incandescent test light
- how to check cylinder compression with a gauge
- using and understanding a coil-on-plug ignition sync for scope testing
- how to check ignition timing compared to an in-cylinder waveform
- checking cam/crank correlation with a lab scope
- using cam/crank relationship to check for a timing belt problem
- how to visually verify valve timing with cam/crank timing marks on a Honda 1.7L engine

Tools used
- carburetor cleaner
- PicoScope 4425 4 Channel Standard Diagnostic Kit

Playlist
- (Chapter 23) No Start Diagnostics with good spark and fuel

Related videos
- Jumped timing chain (no compression on 3 cylinders) - GM 3.6
- How to check for a jumped timing chain or belt
- How to identify a broken timing chain - GM 2.2 (part 1)
- How to identify a broken timing chain - GM 2.2 (part 2)

On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[mrmechanic]

Right when i heard the engine start i knew it was the timing low compression sound fuel and spark not in time ! but for anyone who has this issue this is the BEST video to watch great detail & easy to understand !

[SuperAndybk]

WOW.. My hats off to you.  I'm an old man grew up with 60s/70s muscle cars.  I repair on a need to know basis so Im not up on all the say 2003 up troubleshooting tools.  That PICO is AMAZING..  The best and only true mechanic is a troubleshooter.  Unlike most shops and private repairs done by guessing and randomly replacing items without testing said questionable unit.  I have always tried to isolate and remody but also find reason for failure.  I am not under cars much anymore(health) but your process via video showed me a skilled honest gentleman.  Nice to see these days.  Far and few between.  I enjoyed and will share your video to the know it alls.  Peace

[TheNDex]

I recently bought a Honda Civic ex and was so frustrated with it that I was gonna sell it. It had the same symptom, it would drive a bit then stall at stops. You gave me hope to work on it again. I'll be trying all the diagnostic mentioned in this video. God bless you! Thank you!!

[the_color_orange]

This is only the second video of yours I've watched, and I've gotta say...I love this kind of stuff. It's like House, M.D. but for engines. I'm not a professional mechanic by any means, but I have an immense desire to learn as much as I can about engines, how they work, and how to work on them. Your videos are straightforward, yet incredibly thorough. You seem like a great teacher.

[graymodeler]

The elephant in the room is - replace timing belt, car doesn't run. What could it be. What was the last thing changed? Remember that bad new ignition switch. Great video!

[MDUBU]

GREAT STUFF MAN! I'VE BEEN WRENCHING FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND I REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING THIS VIDEO DIAGNOSIS, GREAT TEACHING TOOL, THANKS FOR POSTING 

[mrcokez]

im a young tech currently working at the dealership, during my break i would go upstairs to the break room and watch your videos, you got yourself a new sub, thanks for taking the time to upload, edit and educate, even a person like me . thanks

[AshAuto]

I honestly had no idea what these scopes can do. Great work Paul, every video of yours teaches me stuff that I would have never learnt on my own

[Evesautomotive]

I enjoy watching your videos very much. You show professionalism that is sorely lacking in the auto repair industry.

I hope that the young people starting out don't think this is cake walk, because it isn't. Takes years of hands on experience built on a solid foundation of basics.

[rorov]

I work on a shop they have a Pico worth 5k, but they don't know how use it like you !!! Thanks for you time and the gold info.

[zakariaassadini]

I am Moroccan I am studien as a technician specialized diagnostic e I do not inderstend some technical therm in inglich but you help me evolve thank you go furder

[mikesamyn]

As an old retired GM engine combustion analysis engineer and prior Chevy dealer mechanic in the 70's I am very impressed.  Great story and great use of technology only available to research and development  engineers in years prior.

[nickacuff]

My friend you are a genius. I can't say enough good things about your videos. The level of detail in this case study is stellar.

[naturebuoys]

Wow. Thanks ScannerDanner. Found your video after trying everything you mentioned in your video. Thanks for giving me 460, 000 KM vehicle another lease on life.

[kevincall]

Great video. We had one just like yours and found a post on IATN that said if you unplug the crank sensor (yes crank sensor not cam) and the car runs, that the timing is off a couple of teeth. We unplugged the sensor and ours ran. Our belt was out 2 teeth. It had been to a couple of shops that tried to sell her a PCM. Thanks Kevin.

[siachen]

Its all about timing in every aspect of life. Timing is such an important element of our day to day life.

[peanutbutterisfu]

As a shop foreman I have no idea how I haven't used a pressure transducer. Timing chains in a Audi 4.2 are in the rear of the engine and depending on the vehicle it's in is a 20-30 hr job. This is great assurance to give everyone piece of mind that yes the timing is off.

[ronaldgarcia]

im shocked, i had the same problem with my 98 nissan altima, one day didnt want to start anymore so i did my diagnose and, started with a bad starter, replaced it, then the vehicle, wouldn't start at all -it was cranking over, found a bad main fuse, checked everything, now the car would star but die within seconds like the car in the video i replaced the distributor and all its components plus spark plug wires and spark plugs, also the fuel filter and the car was running like a champ, until today that it didnt want to start again after i refueled, did all my test again, found corrosion on the positive battery terminal. now is running again, thank you for your video very detailed. i subed.

[prmayner]

ditto to all the replies, you have saved me from a lot of embarrassment, mainly i feel after watching your video's and a few others that i can fix anything that's fixable no matter who has worked on it before. Instead of just 6 to 8 months ago "before i got a scope and a few other goodies" saying i don't have a clue. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm not to much into reading, i like and i think get a lot more out of your videos. Instead of buying your ebook i would just like to donate to you.

[ScannerDanner]

I did hold that part back, but going into this job I had know idea. I truly wanted you guys to go through the exact steps I took in this process.
I was told this car died on the owner while driving it. I never suspected a belt issue from the symptoms at all.