My 1988 Honda Prelude not starting

Tiny
BMAC1980
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 HONDA PRELUDE
I have a 1988 honda prelude 2.0 si feul injected with 176,359 miles on it automatic. I recently have had trouble starting the car. I would try to start it and it would take several tries till finally it would not start at all. I took it to a mechanic and he said my valve cover leaked and the oil burned out my distributor. He replaced the distributor, valve cover gasket, plugs, wires, cap, rotor. When I got the car back it ran for about three days before doing the same thing. He then replaced the distributor for a second time claiming it was faulty. Got the car back and again ran perfectly fine for another 3 days before doing the same thing. He replaced the distributor for a third time plus my battery and once again the same pattern. I don't wan to shell out any more $ unless it's worth fixing. It just cranks but won't turn over. Eventually I smell gas after trying over and over which should rule out the fuel pump. Any suggestions would help. Could it be the ignition coil and how can I test the distributor to make sure it works? Thanks in advance.
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 AT 7:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

It would be a great help in diagnosing this if I know what is failing in all these distributors, To check for spark you can purchase a special spark plug with a clamp on it, clip to engine (metal) coil lead (distributor end) onto plug crank and watch (don't hold or you will shocked very high voltage) Re post your findings for more assistance, and a small donation will help!

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 AT 8:03 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links