I have a 1992 Accord Wagon, five speed. Every now and then, it will crank and crank but not start. I've noticed that every time this happens, the shifter was in gear..... Is it possible this would cause the car to not start? It's possible that I'm always leaving the shifter in gear. It's one of those things you do w/o thinking. Typically, I just wait fifteen minutes and it starts right up.

Not today, though.

When this problem occurs, I've noticed that it cranks smoother and a little faster than normal. I don't think it's the timing belt since this problem seems to come and go, and because timing belts normally break while the engine is running.

 

Timing belts dont necessarily break,i mean they do but most the time they streach and thats what causes the timing to jump out of time,the crank and cam are no longer in line
But i had a kia and when the timing belt was going bad the car seemed to run so smooth it was like driving a new car thats until im driving down the hwy and engine just quit!
so if i were you to be on the safe side check your timing,TDC,rotor pointing at #1 plug wire,crank shaft and cam marks are lined up correct and the timing mark on the flywheel/drive plate is aligned with the notch in the pointer

 

sounds like the main relay too me....my 91 did that too me all the time untill i re soldered the contacts in it. the fuel pump wont run so that would explain turning over faster.