InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

My sisters honda was bought used a few months ago, I've replaced a bunch of parts with new parts such as:

-cap and rotor
-spark plug wires
-spark plugs+proper gap
-high mileage synthetic oil
-new coolant
-air filter looks brand new

Car ran fine, never overheated, idled smooth, started up fine.

I do have a leak on the catalytic converter and a bad O2 sensor on the converter.(this is the stupid setup that runs right with the exhaust manifold, sits vertical and obviously is prone to cracking), but this shouldn't cause my start up issues.

I did notice when I took the air filter off and opened the throttle body there was some liquid, something wet just sitting there at the bottom under the flap.

I'm not sure what this is, I can't smell anything, the air filter and housing are all dry, but it's wet underneath. Whatever it is, could this be a problem interfering with the air/fuel mix causing the spark plugs not being able to ignite?

sometimes after the car has been off for a day or more the car doesn't start. You can hear it turning over, you can hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key, but you can sit there and try to start and nothing happens. The only way I got it to start was to press the gas pedal all the way, try to start for a few seconds, stop, repeat. Eventually it started up, was bogging bad for a few seconds then had a smooth idle after.

I did not replace the fuel filter yet, I should probably do that.

I don't have my OBD2 scanner with me right now, but I know I get at least two codes from seeing them before, one for upstream O2 sensor(sits on exhaust manifold right above cat converter) and the other CEL for an exhaust leak related to the crack on the manifold/cat converter unit.

Update:
Yesterday car started up fine
This morning car won't start. If I try to start it for a few seconds longer while holding the gas it seems a little closer to starting, but doesn't.

CEL was faulty bank 1 o2 sensor and it either sad too high or too low, but I know the O2 sensor is bad. I will pick up a fuel filter tomorrow, but outside of that I have no idea what else it could be.

Update 2:
Car started fine today, went ahead and changed fuel filter anyway, checked I installed everything properly, car started up fine today. Idled perfect for a few minutes, then turned it off.

Former User

You did not describe the starting problem. Details would help.

Any CEL codes? List them all. Do they all return after resetting the ECU?

Have you replaced the fuel filter?

InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

edited my post, last half of my post was updated.

Former User

Jump the service connector to pull the codes. Then reset the ECU to which ones return. Post the repeating codes.

Resistance test the coil and have an auto parts store test the ICM.

virgineg6

Should definitely replace that fuel filter and possibly clean the injectors since it seems to be fuel related.

InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

updated, will post another tomorrow after I get new fuel filter installed.

Former User

A clogged fuel filter is unlikely if the engine runs fine after it starts. Do some diagnosis rather than replace parts at random.

WHEN THE ENGINE WON'T START, check for spark and spark quality at the plugs.

InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

Will do, but the previous owners didn't take good care of the car and with the mileage it has I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. Besides the O2 sensor/cat converter, everything else has been cheap maintenance.

InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

I checked for spark and all 4 plugs/wires are good, car started up fine today.

Former User

InTheZoneAC

iTrader: (11)

so far it's started fine every day since you last said that. Hopefully whatever issue it is has gone away at least for now...