stalls at idle

1995 HONDA ACCORD
80,000 MILES
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DGROHNE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
1995 Honda Accord 4 cyl. Extremely cranky cold starts, will start and immediately die. If I can keep it running until warm, it is fine. Have changed fuel line, spark plugs (which were bad), cleaned throttle body. No effect. Any ideas?

Noticed oil on the plugs when changing--probably needs a new head gasket, but I don't think this is related.
Dec 27, 2011 at 10:25 PM
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FIXITMR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,989 POSTS
if plug ceramic electrode post under/below tip is coated with black varnish this could cause hard starts.
Jan 8, 2020 at 4:47 AM
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FIXITMR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,989 POSTS
you can sandblast or replace to see if it helps starting.
Jan 8, 2020 at 4:47 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
The oil is not due to a head gasket faulty.

The plug seals under the valve cover and/or the seal rings under the cam carrier are the cause for it.

The stalling during cold start could be due to a fault cold start valve, located under the throttle body.

Have the valve clearances checked as well.
Jan 8, 2020 at 4:47 AM
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