Swolf

This is a strange one. My '97 Accord SE, 4 cyl, automatic, has been a great running car for the past 420,000 miles. Out of the blue, I'm having trouble starting it and keeping it running. It's got me stumped. Here's the symptoms:

My best chance of starting it is when the engine has been off for one or two days. The starter engages and spins the engine at a good rate, but it's difficult to start. The engine goes through starting "cycles" like this: The engine will spin for a few seconds (about 3 or so), then it spins at a very very slow rate. it's like the compression goes way up or something is stopping the pistons/crankshaft from turning. Sometimes it will backfire when it slows down. Then the engine will spin quickly but after a few seconds, it slows again. It doesn't matter if the throttle is wide open or closed.

I can eventually get it started my pumping the gas very rapidly.

Once started, it will idle very smoothly. I can bring the RPM up to any level and hold it there, it still runs smoothly. However, if I rapidly accelerate the engine, it will die and stall. Before it stalls, I can get it to stay running by quickly letting off on the gas. The car will idle for any length of time. The engine does this sitting in Neutral/Park or when driving.

If the car is hot, it will not start at all. It does the starter cycle mentioned above (spins rapidly, then jams up, spins rapidly, then jams up). I have to let it sit for at least a day, sometimes two before I can get it to start again.

Right now there are no CEL codes.

For the past 24 years I've owned the car, I've serviced it regularly and changed the distrib cap, rotor, spark plugs, and wires as well as clean or swap out some of the EGR parts.

Any ideas on where to start?

Thanks in advance!
John

LukeM

Test your spark color. Maybe your igniter coil is weak.

Swolf

Thanks Luke. I'm currently traveling but will be back on the 10th and I'll check the plugs.
csrcamaro looks like he has a similar problem, but he's not responded yet if he's found the solution.
John