I have an 89 Accord that will not start. I bought the car for $200 and it worked fine for several months. The only issue was that the car idled in park at >2000 rpm and ~1200 rpm in drive.

I lived with this problem.

A few days ago, I was driving the car and it just died. No power. It would turn over, but not start.

Now when I try to start it, the engine will turn over once, but not start. On any subsequent attempts, the engine turns over extremely slow and then the car loses all power, but when I let go of the key, all the lights return, headlights and radio work. The battery was checked and it is OK.

There is gas going into the carb when I push down on the gas pedal.

Is this a distributor problem?

Thanks

 

It may be a keyswitch assembly problem. If you turn keyswitch Off to On and Alt, Oil Pressure, and Check Engine Light don't come on, the keyswitch contacts are worn.

Make sure your battery positive and negative terminals are clean, free of corrosion and securely connected. A bad contact can also cause your problem.

Finally, I would suspect the starter solenoid contacts are not providing enough contact to deliver starting current to the starter motor. Some solenoids can be repaired, but most simply replace the starter.

High idle speed is likely a choke setting or movement issue. The choke may need repair, cleaning and lubricating.

Distributor is not the problem unless engine turns over good and still won't start. Get starter working and then you can assess ignition.

good luck