1991 Honda Prelude Won't Start

HONDA PRELUDE
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PRELUDE2000
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I drive a 1991 honda prelude with 175k mi. It has a 2.05 FI engine. While driving I noticed a lack of power. Its was driven 50mi. before it would no longer start. While driving it in the 50mi window 60 mph was top speed. The check engine light came on. The codes were 43 and 9. When I returned home after the 50 mi. the engine would not spin above 1000rpm and the check engine light no longer flashed any codes. I checked the cylinder sensor. Its ok. I was told that sometimes the oxygen sensor will report an error if the engine is not running efficiently. There is no noise associated with this problem, it has a new air & fuel filter and all the fluids are up. It has spark & fuel at the fuel filter. The cam is moving along with the crank shaft. Please help
Jan 4, 2007 at 7:09 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Hi, I hope I can help you out

No i cylinder postion sensor is alright because....???

You say fuel is ok to the fuel filter. Fuel because of gravity will seem like it has pressure at the fuel filter, but you want to know what the pressure is. I would get a reading from a fuel pressure gauge.
Jan 4, 2007 at 8:40 AM
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PRELUDE2000
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[quote:215a588956="Bruce Hunt"]Hi, I hope I can help you out

No i cylinder postion sensor is alright because....???

You say fuel is ok to the fuel filter. Fuel because of gravity will seem like it has pressure at the fuel filter, but you want to know what the pressure is. I would get a reading from a fuel pressure gauge.[/quote:215a588956]
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Jan 5, 2007 at 3:15 AM
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PRELUDE2000
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I own a Honda tech manual and tested the #1 cylinder senor by checking the resistance( approx 750ohms) and continuity to ground did not exist. I also checked to see if there was fuel pressure at the fuel filter outlet. I did not get a reading yet, but there is a fountain when the key is turned on, at the fuel pressure tap screw on the inlet to the filter.
Jan 5, 2007 at 3:23 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Good job on the sensor and a fountain indicates that the fuel is flowing but really doesn't confirm pressure that is sufficient.
Jan 5, 2007 at 6:01 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I cut this from another posting:

You need to install a manual fuel pressure gauge to verify pressure.Is there a fuel press regulator? If it is on the fuel rail unhook the vacuum line to check for raw fuel in the vacuum line.When the press gauge is on the car watch how fast it goes up when the key is turned on, and see how fast it falls with the key off if it falls at all.
Jan 5, 2007 at 8:39 AM
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PRELUDE2000
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Hello Mr. Hunt:
I've been away but now back to original problem. I haven't check fuel presssure yet( just purchased pressure tester( difficult to find). But I did check for leaks at the regulator ( no leaks). Also, I checked cylinder compression. It is as follows:
#1 115psi
#2 90psi
#3 90psi
#4 115psi
Looks a bit low. I was talking to an employee at the tool shop from where I purchaced the fuel pressure tester. He mentioned to me that the problem could possibly be a valve adjustment issue ( valves sticking). If so, what are the ramifications of misadjusted valves?
Thanks again for your time
Prelude2000
Jan 18, 2007 at 12:33 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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If the vehicle has the pressure you indicate that isn't fantastic but it is not that poor either. Still does not start right?
Jan 18, 2007 at 1:28 PM
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PRELUDE2000
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Hi Bruce:
Just wanted to let you know, I found the problem. While checking on the valve adjustment, I noticed that the two cam shafts would not line up. Upon futher inspection, while spining the engine over I found 2 teeth missing in the Timing belt. So the mystery of the cylinder senor code on the onset of the problem is also solved. Thanks for trying to help. I hope your still around the next time I need some back up.
Prelude2000
Jan 21, 2007 at 11:07 PM

Suggested Repair

Verify actual fuel pressure with a gauge rather than relying on fuel flow at the filter, and check the regulator vacuum line for raw fuel. Compression was somewhat low, so valve adjustment was considered, but the cause found was a timing belt with two missing teeth that prevented the camshafts from lining up. Replace the damaged timing belt and retime the cams.

Conversation Summary

A 1991 Honda Prelude with about 175,000 miles lost power, set codes 43 and 9, then would not start or rev above 1000 rpm. The owner confirmed spark, fuel flow, a working cylinder sensor, no regulator leak, and compression of about 90-115 psi. The expert advised measuring fuel pressure properly. The owner later found two missing timing-belt teeth and cams that would not line up, which explained the no-start and sensor code.

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