Fuel System for a 1998 Honda Civic

December 12, 2006 7:35 AM

My friend was just told she needs a "new fuel system" for a Honda Civic (1998). What should we be looking for?

Is that just a fuel pump? Or are there other components? Googling didn't turn up anything definitive about what she needs. Any guidance is appreciated.

posted by Soulbee to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

Who told her this? You need to get a better description as "a new fuel system" could mean anything. There's a lot of potential fishiness here so get as complete a description as possible and post back.
posted by Opposite George at 7:45 AM on December 12, 2006

The complete fuel system includes the tank (duh), pump, lines, filter, some flexible lines, fuel rail, and injectors. The only thing (relatively) cheap in that list is the filter. Sounds suspiciously vague to me.

Now, "fuel system cleaning" I could see - that entails some chemical in the tank, some on a port on the fuel rail, and some labor time, but if the system is durty, it can do a world of good.
posted by notsnot at 7:48 AM on December 12, 2006

OK -- checked with her again -- what she is looking for is some information about the honda fuel system -- can anyone point towards an online resource if possible explaining the honda civic fuel system or a print manual if necessary. Basically there is no fuel getting through her system and she is trying to figure out where the problem is before deciding to bring it in to a shop.

what is a fuel rail and where is the port on the fuel rail -- she has tried the fuel system cleaning, but just in the tank. that helped for awhile but the problem keeps happening (car won't start).
posted by Soulbee at 8:06 AM on December 12, 2006

Check the voltage on the battery - sometimes that causes the pump to underrun.

THe fuel rail is on top of the engine - that's where the unjectors get the fuel from. Usually there's a port at the end of the rail away from the lincoming line that can be connected to, to check pressure.

Also, when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? It's usually not too expensive (parts *or* labor) and can solve a lot.
posted by notsnot at 8:29 AM on December 12, 2006

http://www.alldatadiy.com/ for online manuals
posted by raildr at 8:47 AM on December 12, 2006

If she doesn't want to spring for an Alldata membership (well worth it, IMO, but HMMV) most public libraries have shop manuals for popular models. Ask at the reference desk.
posted by Opposite George at 9:21 AM on December 12, 2006

She probably needs a new fuel pump from the sound of things. It's the most common fuel system failure that does this. When the ignition is turned ON (but not started) is there a whirring or electrical noise from the rear of the car? If not, there is also a mandated safety feature that shuts off the pump after a collision (or sometimes large bump). Check the owner's manual.

where is the port on the fuel rail
I assume you speak of the schrader valve fuel pressure test port. It looks like a tire valve, but usually bigger and requires a properly fitted gauge. You'll usually find it along the top of the motor as a part of the fuel plumbing. If you can;t recognize fuel plumbing, get out from under the hood now and call someone who does.
posted by IronLizard at 1:01 PM on December 12, 2006

Oh, and this valve? It will probably have a plastic cap on it. Just like the tires.
posted by IronLizard at 1:07 PM on December 12, 2006