1998 Honda Accord Sedan, DX 2.3L; Auto-Trans (US)
Hesitant to start after sitting for 4+ hours, sometimes takes several turns of the key. Once fired up runs fine. I get 0 codes what-so-ever.

Replaced Fuel Relay [6 mo]
New Spark Plugs gapped to spec [6 mo]
New Cap [6 mo]
New Rotor [6 mo]
New Spark Plug Wires [6 mo]
New Ignition Coil [6 mo]
New Battery [3 Months]
Recall was done for the ignition [3 year]
New fuel pump [2 weeks]
New gas tank [1 year]
Newer Gas Cap [1-2 Years]
New Fuel pressure regulator [1 week]
Cold-air intake was swapped, couldn't find a good original that wasn't broken (this was replaced 6 years ago, never had an issue)
New motor/transmission mounts [1 year]
Replaced US transmission at 197k to a JDM which had 65k, car itself at over 245k miles now. [2 years ago]
New o2 sensors [1-2 years]
New radiator [full flush, Blue Fluid]
New brake booster [8 mo]
New main ground wire (re-routed to side of trans) [2 mo]
Entire Timing kit done (water pump belts, etc.) [9-12 mo]
New Serpentine Belt [1.5 mo]
New powersteering Belt [1.5 mo]
New power Steering Pump [1-2 yr]
I only use Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w30 oil
Dot 4 Fluid for brakes.

Any help/ideas appreciated.

Edit:
Alternator is a 180 AMP the original 90 died. [1 y 8 months]
Original starter blew apart 5 months ago, replaced with the JDM one. I have another starter that I got used as a backup.

Note: Forgot to mention my vehicle has been hit and run at least 13 times since I've owned it over 7 years. (Just incase anyone thinks maybe the trans could have an issue that is applicable).

 

Next time the car has sat for 4+ hours, turn the key to the II position, but don't try to start the engine. After the fuel pump primes for ~ 2 seconds while the check engine light does the 2 second bulb check, turn the key off and repeat 2 more times. Try starting the car and let us know if it starts up like normal.

 

I will try this tonight and post a response. Initially I was just waiting a few, then turn, waiting for all lights to go off, then starting, and still a bit hesitant. I've also replaced all fuses and relays with newer or brand new as well. I have had this vehicle for roughly 7 years, always a champ. Thanks for the response.

 

[QUOTE=PAhonda;393635]

Did exactly as instructed, after the third no full turn over. Hit it again, no full turn, ( I do not try to start it for more than 2-3 seconds), second time no start, third time held for 2 seconds, fired up again. Got slight gas smell, pretty sure just minor flood from the attempts.

 

Hmm...

When the engine is cold, pull the spark plugs one at a time and see if you get a strong gas smell coming from one of the cylinders with an assistant trying to prime the fuel rail without trying to start the car..

 

I will try this on Monday hopefully and post an update. My father was a mechanic for 21 years, and even he's been a bit baffled. My only actual issues is I'm coming up on re-doing all the seals for a minor oil leak, and has small exhaust leak. But I bought the factory gasket etc. for that. It's been really cold here and no access to a garage anymore. I have to finish the rust work in the rear before inspection in a few months. Thank you again.

 

The root cause could be something else, but fuel was my first suggestion to investigate. Your description sounds like you are losing fuel pressure while it sits.

Pulling spark plugs is to see if you have an injector that won't shut off completely where you get excess fuel in a cylinder. Take a close look at your spark plugs when you pull them to see if one or more looks fouled.

 

We checked the rail, checked the injectors (only cyl 3 isn't stock as the original died a while back) all worked perfectly. All spark plugs are still like new; no gas smell.. I finally got a video I've converted to mp3. I did a couple different starts, the final one I gave it a bit of gas to keep it running. We also just re-did the all the gaskets since I've had a bit of an oil leak for a while now. Also did the oil change again. 246k+

 

Does the engine stay running once the car starts up?

 

Yes, runs perfectly fine. I have inspection coming up, and trying to figure this out before I drop it off and then I get some crazy bill. Going to be welding the rear fender areas next week.