Q: Car turns on but turns off after foot is taken off the gas pedal. 1987 Honda Civic

asked by on January 18, 2017

I bought my car about 2 months ago, the day after I got it home the distributor broke. I replaced the distributor but didn't time it immediately because I didnt have a timing light yet. I drove it to town 2 times both times it ran fine except it backfired a little. When I went a week without driving it I came back and tried to start it on a day where it was 20 degrees and it starts but the only way I can keep it running is by pumping the gas. Without pumping the gas it stays on for like 30 seconds until it sputters and dies. I replaced the spark plugs today, that didn't fix the problem. It hasn't really warmed up since then but I'm just asking if you could suggest anything that it could be.

My car has 133000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Engine is backfiring Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello - if I follow your symptom descriptions correctly, this timing has still not been checked/adjusted. This would be the first step to take. Also, backfiring (through the intake) is usually a sign of an air leak in the intake system. With the engine running, spraying a bit of starter fluid around possible leak points will help identify the leaking hose, joint or intake component (the idle will speed up if starter fluid is pulled into the intake). I recommend an engine stalling inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

The car shakes when idling, stopped, or at low speeds
Hello. If the engine runs fine at high speeds and this only occurs at idle, then most of the time it is because of a vacuum leak. If there is a leaking gasket or vacuum hose, then this will occur....
Sunroof is not closing
Hello, if you don't hear the motor even try to work, you may want to check the fuses. If you hear the motor and it moves in small increments, you may want to try closing the sunroof by activating the...
My tire went flat. Loud screeching noise since putting on spare tire.
It's apparent due to timing that something to do with the new tire is your source for unwanted sound. Something is making contact to something else that it should not be. You need to start by removing the spare tire...
Gear shiftebr out sync with shift indicator
Hi there. This sounds like the shift linkage cable has either stretched, come loose, or is in need of an adjustment or replacement. Inspect the cable attachment points at the transmission and at the shift lever to see if the...
When I accelerate it has no power. It only goes slowly. I have a code PO700 that has came up.
Hello. Code P0700 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0700-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-control-system-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton) is the trouble code for an issue with the vehicle's transmission control system. If the computer detects an issue within the transmission control system it will set off the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) in order to...
Car revs at stop sign, no check engine light
This may be a result of a faulty oxygen sensor reading as a result of your exhaust system (presumably your catalytic converter) not operating effectively. As you may know the oxygen sensors which are part of your emissions system read...
When slowing down and then accelerating transmission is jerky and makes a clunking noise.
It is possible that you could have faulty U-joints or a bad transmission mount causing this issue. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine if either one of these parts are faulty. Consider YourMechanic...
Why is my 2007 FORD 500 accelerates when I turn the steering wheel in the Drive or Reverse unintentionally and make the car jumps
You should have the computer tested for codes and then have the steering checked to see if there is a steering or engine issue with idle since it is normal for the engine to increase the idle when it senses...
While driving my car feels like I’m tapping the brakes. Like is tugging. I am not losing speed or power and my RPMs aren’t fluctua
It is possible that you could have warped brake rotors or FreePlay and your suspension. I would recommend having a brakes and suspension inspection performed by qualified professional to determine if any potential safety issues are present with your brakes...

Related articles

2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have Kids
Once Once you have kids, the kind of car you have becomes very important. Suddenly, the amount of space, entertainment features, reliability, safety, and easy to clean interior become the top priorities. Here’s a list of vehicles meant to satisfy...
The 5 Safest Used Cars You Can Buy For Under $20,000
The Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevy Volt, and the Volvo XC60 are five of the overall safest used cars you can buy for under $20,000.