Honda Accord 1991 starting problem

AHOYHOY

MEMBER
1991 HONDA ACCORD

Hi,

I have an automatic Honda Accord 1991 model with 4 cylinders. It has done over 260000 miles but had a reconditioned engine at 124000 miles. Despite the miles its done the car drives beautifally. The only problem I have with it is after I have driven the car and its been sitting for a while with the engine off. It is "difficult" to start. Almost like the engine is flooded. The engine cranks but won't fire. However it will start after a while. Sometimes I turn the key off and try again and then it fires. Its very temperamental and sometimes starts perfectly then other times struggles. I have no engine warning lights coming on and I just had a mechanic look at the car and he could'nt find a problem. He was thinking it might be a sensor problem. Can anyone help?

3 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

I would have a look at the injection system. I think that the injectors could be leaking and the pressure loss must be restored each time you start the car. This may not take too much time but it seems to be where I would start.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:33 AM

HONDATX

MEMBER
1 POST

Used to own the same type Accord and had the same problems.

First problem I had; would crank but not start, period. Fixed by replacing ignition coil. But that is not your issue.

There are known issues with the igniters and main relay units in Accords of this vintage. I recommend buying replacements at your local Honda dealer. If you want to break out a volt meter and see for yourself the igniter is located inside the distributor assembly and is easily replaced. The main relay assembly is located way up under the driver's side of the dash. Best piece of advice I received for replacing this item; do not bother removing the old main relay assembly! Just remove the wire harness from the bottom of the old one/plug it into the new one and use a zip tie to secure the new relay assembly in place.

Been a while since I bought these replacement parts so I do not want to quote prices, but I imagine you will remedy your issues for less than $200.00. Best wishes.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:33 AM

AHOYHOY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks guys for your help. I have been checking to see if my main relay has been working by the suggestions given on other posts and forums. I find that if I turn my key to "II", sometimes I can hear the fuel pump humming and the main relay click and the car will start fine on the first crank, however other times the main relay will click but the fuel pump will not hum and the car will crank and not fire. Could this still be something to do with the main relay or could it be more of a fuel pump problem? I had my fuel pump changed about a year ago now although this problem was there before.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:33 AM