1989 Honda Accord My Car won't start very easilly. Replaced

HONDALUVER

MEMBER
1989 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
210,000 MILES

Whenever I cold-start my engine, it starts right up. Then the "check engine" light comes on, and when it is warmed-up it takes putting the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor for a second to get it to start.
I just replaced the water pump when this started to happen. The car seems to run normally, but it takes alot of gas to get it started after it's warm.
I looked at the coolant crossover passage, and noticed that someone had replaced the one that was on the car origionally, with 1986 prelude thormostat crossover cover.

THere are two sensors sticking out out it, - one is green, and the other one is yellow. THe one on the right side (yellow one) seems to have some funky stuff in the top of it (sandy-looking).

I have been working with a mechanic on this, but he thinks I need to ask about the two differring crossover covers. The on eon the car is an 86' prelude, but the car is an 89 accord lx-i.

IT has fuel injection, and I worked on it for quite some time before starting it again after replacing the water pump.

IT runs all by itself once it is started, and seems to be fine once it heats-up. Except for when I try to start it agian. The check engine light comes on after about 30 seconds when I start it cold. IT is on instantly when I start it warm.

Can you help me?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi hondaluver,

You should retrieve the CEL code to understand what is causing it and it could be relevant to why it is difficult to start.

ECU is located under driver's seat. Turn ignition switch to ON and count the flashes of the LED inspection light on the ECU.

Let me know the results.

The thermostat housing and switches should be nothing to worry about but the connectors should be clean and are not interchangeable. Wrong connection would result in the CEL showing and fans not working correctly.