98 Acura CL problems with RPM's and starting when it rains.

Tiny
BNMOORE3
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 ACURA CL
  • 225,000 MILES
Randomly, and more consistently during heavy rain/fog, my car will take very long to start, often 10+ key turns. When it starts, it will putter and then die. It does this 1-3 times normally before it will stay running in idle. Once I begin to accelerate, the RPM's will die out, sometimes to the point the car dies completely, it will start right away then, but will only accelerate properly when I'm really heavy on the gas. After running for 10 minutes or so, the problem ceases, and it will start and run fine for the remainder of the day. I have a general exhaust code on my check engine light, although it will blink when this problem happens, and go away after the first run, as it operates normally after it is started and run for 10 minutes. What is the problem?
Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 AT 5:24 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,748 POSTS
This could be a few things. Have you checked to make sure the fuel pump pressure is within the manufacturer's specs when this is happening? You may have a weak pump. Also, since the check engine light flashes, I have to ask when the last tune up was on the vehicle? Let me know.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
BNMOORE3
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It hasn't been checked, but I just had the exhaust manifold replaced and have been told it may be a dirty or clogged EGR valve. The car runs perfectly fine after it has been running for 10 minutes or so, leading me to believe it's not something with the fuel system. It's been 3+ years since a tune up, just regular oil changes etc.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,748 POSTS
I would still recommend testing fuel pump pressure when it happens. I call them (lazy pumps). They have a hard time getting started, but once they are working, (warmed up) they are fine.

Also, since you have more problems when it is damp out, try something for me. When it is dark, open the hood and start the engine. Mist water on the ignition system components to see if there are any shorts or arcing happening. Let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 AT 5:54 PM

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