Car not starting when hot?

1989 HONDA ACCORD
240,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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TUPUTT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Car starts right up when cool. After running awhile and is shut off it will not start again. No spark. Getting fuel.
After cooling back down to ambient air temperature. it starts right up. Have replaced battery, distributor, coolant temp. sensor, sparkplug wires, tried a new coil, same thing. It used to start very easily, as soon as the key was turned. Now though it takes longer when it does start. Other than that, the car is still in good shape and still has more miles to go.
I forgot to add. When I take out the number one sparkplug it fires right up.
Riddle me that Batman...
Apr 3, 2024 at 5:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Do I understand correctly? When you remove the cylinder 1 spark plug, it starts. Is that correct? Will it start hot if you use starting fluid?

Also, when it doesn't start, have you checked for spark to the plugs? If not, here is a link that explains how it's done:


https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 3, 2024 at 11:52 AM
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TUPUTT
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  • 3 POSTS
Well, it started yesterday, after warming up, again, it would not start. Put on the spark checker. It started!? So, it is getting fuel. But it starts really hard, like having to crank longer instead of immediately starting. Replaced spark plugs and cooler sub-relay as fan would not shut off.
This morning it is 40 degrees. Would not start. Checked for spark, nothing. Removed spark plug. Still no start. Don't see how fuel could be the problem. Checked at fuel filter and there is pressure.
Also, can hear the main relay click when first turning on ignition.
So it seems to start at random times no matter what. But one thing seems to effect it and that is the temperature. The temp. of the engine and temp of the air.
Apr 4, 2024 at 2:25 AM
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TUPUTT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Today the time is 39 degrees. Put the charger on it last night and it started. This morning nada. Even removing one spark plug doesn't work anymore.
Any ideas?
Apr 5, 2024 at 2:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored? I attached directions below for the retrieval of codes. Try this and let me know if you find anything.

Also, let me know if this car is fuel-injected or if it has a carburetor.

Let me know.

Joe
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Apr 5, 2024 at 1:14 PM
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