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Feb. 21, 2011 6:33 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

Hi guys, I'm an avid reader and listener of this site yet rarely post. But I've recently come across a problem with my sister's Honda and was hoping some of you experts could lead me in the right direction.

Background: 1997 Honda accord f22 non vtec had a cooling issue 170k miles automatic

So what i did was remove the timing belts, and the water pump. I found both to be in very good shape so i reinstalled. this work turned up bad radiator(holes), cv axle, brakes, and serpentine belts. All of this work was done. Car started ran great, no issues the day after the work was done. Today I'm told its not starting. It has fuel, and spark, tries to catch but just turns over. I'm thinking slipped timing? Ill dive into the timing belts on Thursday unless anyone can offer wisdom?

Thanks in advance guys.

John
Feb. 21, 2011 7:23 p.m. dculberson Reader

Only thing I can think of is the F22 has a problem with the ignitor / ignition module getting weak and going out. It'll get flakey then eventually stop working altogether. Make sure the spark is strong enough.
Feb. 22, 2011 1:45 p.m. TreoWayne New Reader

If a Honda will turn over but won't start I would start investigating the PGM-EFI main relay. There is lots of documentation online about this.

It might not be your problem but it is still good to know.
Feb. 22, 2011 9:06 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

I appreciate the tips, ill look into it shortly and report back.

Thanks John M.
Feb. 24, 2011 8:17 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

Ok i have an update.

Got home today, removed the timing belt and balance belt and reinstalled after setting time. Car still wouldnt start. So i went ahead and replaced the plugs, which looked terrible. Car took a while, eventually started and put out some decent smoke for a bit, figured this was normal probably oil. Took it out for a spin ran great.

Got home tried to start and its still hard to start, meaning it turns over tries to catch idles low for a sec then dies. Try again and it idles low and eventually rises to normal idle. This happens on all starts where i wait more than ten minutes after shutdown.

Any ideas fella's.

Thanks again John
Feb. 24, 2011 9:43 p.m. unevolved HalfDork

What do the plugs smell like?
Feb. 24, 2011 9:45 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

smell like fuel
Feb. 24, 2011 11:36 p.m. unevolved HalfDork

Have you checked that you're getting spark?
Feb. 25, 2011 3:37 a.m. Merc New Reader

I would check for spark too. Bad plugs usually mean bad spark wires too.

I would check # 2, 8 and 15 in diagram

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I would also check # 10 for rot at # 14 and 26. These usually go bad on older Hondas.

BTW, what color smoke?
Feb. 25, 2011 5:43 a.m. Tyler H Dork

If all that checks out, check the compression.
Feb. 25, 2011 1:42 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

I am getting spark, smoke was white, im starting to suspect a head gasket issue. What raises suspicion is i notice the radiator hoses are getting stiff, as if with air when it is running.
Feb. 25, 2011 1:53 p.m. Merc New Reader

White usually means coolant is burning in the chambers. I would assume head gasket may be going out as well. Do a compression check and check you oil to make sure it's not brown.
Feb. 25, 2011 4:02 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

Ok guys update for today. Got in this morning tried to start. Wouldnt at all. So i took my miata to work. Came home turned the key and fired up fine. I did some test driving including many stops, and it started just fine each time. Just checked all the above and all looks well. Spark plugs have some whiteness to them, and the compression reads 140, 145, 140, 150. A good sign im hoping. Strange that it would be fine today. Anyways ill keep an update. I reallly appreciate all the help everyones given so far.

Go GRM John
Feb. 25, 2011 4:08 p.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

Is it more likely to NOT start if the motor is warm?

CPS can and will go out on these, and it's usually exacerbated by temperatures.
Feb. 25, 2011 4:52 p.m. johnp2 New Reader

it was kind of intermittent, and i haven't had any trouble thus far today. But it has happened both warm and cold at one point or another. I'm gonna let it sit for a few hours and see if it starts ok again, then i may take it tomorrow for a drive and go from there. Hope its not that cam sensor, expensive. That should throw a code i'm guessing. fingers crossed.

Thanks