hello. I need some help please. I have a '91 Accord EX, Auto, with 144,000 mi. on it. In the past couple weeks I have noticed it getting harder to start (taking longer). In the past few days it misses for 5-10 seconds after starting, but then clears up and drives fine. This morning however, it would not start at all. It finally did, but still starts rough but clears up and drives fine. I replaced the distributor recently, timing belt, plugs, wires, PCV, fuel filter, and air filter. CEL has never came on and no codes are stored. Any ideas please? I am stumped! It seems like a fuel delivery problem, but why does it clear up and run fine after 5-10 seconds? Thanks

 

I wish I had a "crystal ball" that could give answers to Mysteries. I have a 95, it sounds like it could be in the "cold start" process. How about the fuel pump, original? If you have done the major tune-up, then you can eliminate a lot of possibilities. It's hard to diagnose on-line. Could be a sensor or something as simple as bad gas. Good Luck.

 

Did your starting problem immediately follow changing any one of those items you listed? Or did you start replacing these items when your car started having some problems?

Did your new distributor come with a new ICM and/or coil?

When you say it runs rough, tell us more about that. Is the idle fluctuating, low, etc... Is the starter spinning the engine like a normal start?

To figure out what is going on, you will have to diagnose the problem. If you have a timing light, you can see if your are getting enough spark to the plugs.

As for fuel, when you first turn the key to the II position and do not try to start the car, can you hear the fuel pump turn on for about 2 seconds? It is a faint buzzing/whirling sound that comes from the back seat, so listen carefully.

There is a ground on the thermostat housing that you may want to clean up with some sand paper, then tighten back down. You may want to check all ends of both battery cables as well.

 

PAhonda.....I did the major tune up before this problem started. The new distributor was complete. The starter is spinning normally. As for spark, I'm getting nice blue arcs. The fuel pump is turning on, but I guess I need to find out if it is pumping enough fuel.

I'm going to get some Carb cleaner today and clean the TB and IAC and then go from there. Pull the plugs and inspect and start checking voltages to various sensors, etc. I just thought someone might have had the same problem and could point me in the right direction. Thanks for the replies.

 

Before you start, turn the key to ON but not immediately to START. The fuel pump should run for 2 seconds then stop. Turn the key to START just then, or even just before it stops.

This allows the fuel pump to build-up pressure in the fuel lines. If that makes a big difference, then maybe your problem is a check-valve (part of the fuel pump) allowing fuel pressure to leak back into the tank.