1986 Honda Prelude Intermittent Start Fix

1986 HONDA PRELUDE
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DLUDE
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  • 6 POSTS
1986 1.8 litre dual carb engine........
I'am having an intermittent start problem. The engine was quitting so I replaced the igniter, now it does not quit but has start problems, sometimes it starts other times it will not.
However I did adjust the reluctor to stator gap inside the distributor, as the gap was not equal.

Now here is the kicker it seems to start better if I advance the distributor, somewhat, but the engine pings somewhat.................
Would it be the Main Relay...?

It has a new coil, fuel pump, rotor and cap...
Sep 30, 2006 at 12:42 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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That makes it sound like the engine is not getting enough air and I would check to see if the spark is steady and strong.
Oct 4, 2006 at 1:15 AM
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DLUDE
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Thanks Bruce,

It was the ignition module again, upon further research online I discoverd that one of the hold down screws for the module has to be diaelectric. If both screws are magnetic they will cause interference with the electronic signals inside the distributor and possibly fry the module..

To make a long story short someone lost the screw when changing the module in the past...........
Oct 5, 2006 at 1:43 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the ignition module hold-down screw with the correct dielectric screw. A magnetic screw in that location can interfere with distributor signals and damage the module. Also confirm the spark is steady and strong.

Conversation Summary

A 1986 Honda Prelude 1.8 with dual carbs had intermittent no-start after an igniter replacement and reluctor gap adjustment. Advancing the distributor improved starting but caused pinging. The owner later found a missing dielectric module hold-down screw had been replaced with a magnetic screw, which interfered with the distributor signals and damaged the ignition module.

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