Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

Engine cranks but won't start. May sputter a little but won't catch. First time it did it was a week ago. I changed the coil to distributer wire and it started right up. The next day I couldn't get it going after work. It seemed to be getting spark so I changed the fuel filter. Once again it started up and ran for a couple days. Seemed to fire up easier when engine was cold. I can hear the fuel pump on start up and I bench tested the main relay. I also tried a different relay from the junk yard and no luck. Everything looks good with the distributer and rotor and I tested the primary and secondary resistance of the coil. Two weeks ago I did the head gasket and valves. The car ran flawlessly for the first week so I cant see the connection with my current problem. When it runs it runs perfect. I have not been able to start it this whole afternoon. Anybody have any other ideas?

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

Damn Im in your shoes and I haven't even changed the fuel filter. Did you have to relieve the pressure to do that? How exactly did you do it?

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

I relieved pressure by taking off the gas cap. In the faq section there is a good wright up on changing the filter.

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

Tried the temp sensor? When the car was running did you notice the temp gauge go higher than normal?

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

The gauge seemed to read like normal. The plugs were wet with fuel when I checked them so I don't think it's a fuel issue. My spark was yellowish so maybe it isn't strong enough to fire up the engine. I did replace the cap and rotor today. The repair bill is really adding up so I'm reluctant to replace the coil or igniter unless I'm sure it is one of them.

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

Hey thanks I'll check that out

It could be your pgm-fi relay located under steering column I believe. I was reading this thread about it. Heres the link
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...ighlight=start

And also heres like this Start problem bible thats pretty cool when you think about the essential components of starting a car. And it's Honda specified. Bookmarked it
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/start...hecktimingbelt

Good luck, I'll let you know how my work goes

Re: Starting problem on 97 accord se
 

if your plugs were wet, than its a spark issue, check your wires again, check your dizzy, rotor etc.

HG and valves, you pulled your head. check your grounds, maybe try a hotter spark plug?

pull your plugs and put them into the plug wires, ground them to the exhaust manifold, or the valve cover and have someone turn it over while they spark, let it roll over for a few seconds, see if you can find an abnormality.