Hi,

My '97 Civic EX is starting hard. It used to take 3 rotations earlier (rev-rev-rev on always) until last few weeks. Now it takes anywhere between 4-6 rotations. Once started it idles and runs smooth as usual. It passed smog recently with this problem.

I have changed battery (original lasted almost 8 years), fuel filter, spark plugs, cleaned throttle body. I have tried priming the fuel pump, it works sometimes.

Last couple of times I tried tapping the gas paddle after 4 rotations and it started but I am not sure if that really made it start.

Car has ~76k miles.

Any ideas, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!