1987 Honda Accord wont start - sometimes

IVEE1313

MEMBER
1987 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

Multi-symptom. Dont know if they are related: primary problem: Sometimes, the car will not start. It turns over but will not fire and catch. Frequency is about 1 out of 5 starts.
2nd symptom. What sounds like a squeaky belt, but I have replaced all the belts (except power steering). I also just replaced the alternator itself (was squeaking before). Squeaks at start up and when running more than one thing (lights, heater, ect) at start up, it quits after 30 seconds or so. When running it is constant when braking and quits when rpms increased.

fuel pump? Starter? Where do I start?
thanks! I am in a new town and dont know a good mechanic

6 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Primary problem: Sometimes, the car will not start. It turns over but will not fire and catch. Frequency is about 1 out of 5 starts.

Next time it refuses to start do below to determine if its fuel or spark

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

Squealer double check the belt tension

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 4:24 AM

IVEE1313

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4 POSTS

Thanks raz. I have been waiting for it to mess up again so that I can test it. But it has not. I have figured out that every time it did not start I was on a incline. I am betting on the fuel pump at this point as I was told that there is a balance feature in the fuel tank that prevents starting if the car has been flipped or rolled. I have a starting point and simple diagnostic thanks to you.

As far as the belt. I will recheck the tension.

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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 9:22 AM

IVEE1313

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4 POSTS

Thanks for all your diagnostic help.
Turns out it was getting spark, was getting fuel, noid check ok on the injectors.
ECU?
Here is my new question:
the existing ECU is part no: 37820-PJ0-666
it is listed for a prelude. I have an accord lxi
will part no: 37820-PJ0-665 work instead of the 666?
Thanks!
Btw, dealership said this one does NOT need flashed.

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 5:37 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Was getting fuel

You need to confirm that you have the correct fuel pressure-comeback with the readings.

As per the PCM dunno if its interchangeable

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 6:08 PM

IVEE1313

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Thanks! That was a fast response!
. Guess it wasnt the ECM. Found an article online that describes the events with my car over the last 3 years perfectly.
"Why doesn't my Honda or Acura start sometimes? The main relay is famous for stranding people for a few minutes usually in a parking lot in hot weather. The problem is so common that it's been coined the "petrol station fuel relay" from fuel station attendants. The technical name for the main relay is PGM-EFI Main Relay Assembly. PGM stands for programmed, EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection."
I replaced the ECU/ECM after being assured from a trusted Honda mechanic that the last digit difference was ok. Still didnt work. Then I found the above article.
Now I just have to figure out how to get a socket on the bolts to remove it. And try that.
It has gotten to the point now that it will turn over but not catch. All the time. I cannot start the car. I love this car and I want to get her working again.