Please help. 1988 carb accord 5 speed manual.
I first noticed oddly high idle speeds (about 2500). That went on-and-off for about 2 weeks. Now when I start the car it dies. I have to play with the gas to keep it running long enough to get hot. After it warms up-it runs and idles fine. Any Ideas.
Thanks
Mike

 

High idle speeds when cold along with normal idle when warm points to a fast idle valve problem.

Here is a thread that has some pics and links that you might want to try. It was an 86 accord, so yours should have a similar setup since they are the same generation.

https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/m_85747/tm.htm

 

Just to be clear:
My Accord is a carb (none injected) does it still have a bypass valve?
thanks,
mike

 

I should have read your car more carefully. I don't think that an accord with a carb has those air control valves. I am not familiar with carbs at all, so someone else might be able to help you on here.

I know that there are posts on carb/idle issues, so you might want to use the search function.

 

I had a similar issue with my 81 civic and with idle issues and carb's it can be a lot of things, Honestly, I just ran a bottle of gum-out carb cleaner through the tank and it smoothed it out considerably.

Something to try that's quick and easy