Need some help, my 98 civic ex, totally stock, is very hard to start if it has been sitting 10 hrs or more, when/if it does finally start, takes a couple of minutes(to point where I am afraid battery will die)(sounds like it wants to but stumbles/like a carb with only gas in the bowls), it is fine for the rest of the day no issues runs fine/starts first crank, I still think old school and believe in the spark/fuel theories you need them both to run, the only scenario i can come up with is that it is not holding fuel pressure and gas/pressure is seeping back to tank after sitting for such a long period. Any thoughts am i way off base? Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

Just check your battery, alternator, and maybe the starter, Autozone does those for free If your check engine light comes on, have them scan it, if its fine for the rest of the day then it wouldnt be your fuel pump

 

welcome to the forum when you turn your key on short of cranking, listen for a click and the fuel pump whirring, also check the pressure at the fuel rail, should be 28+ #'s. if no click or fuel pump whirring, you will not have fuel pressure. Also check for spark at your spark plugs.

 

When was the last time you changed your fuel filter. Also has it been wet a lot lately in you area if so you may have some issues with moisture and you plug wires or even your cap and rotor. After it you get it started I would spray the wires with some water and see if you have any arcing. Replace if necessary.