I've recently started having a hard start problem with my Prelude, and was hoping some of you folks might be able to give me a starting point in diagnosing this problem.

The car will almost never start the first time I try to crank it up, sometimes it will start up on the second attempt. Most of the time it takes a third try to get it to start up. To date it has never failed to start completely, but this is kind of annoying. Once it is running, it will bog and lose power if I don't let it run for 45 seconds or so first. After I get moving for a moment, the car runs normally.

I've recently replaced the cap and rotor, as well as the ignition coil, since the one that came with the engine died shortly after installation. This was several months before the problem started. I"ve also checked the plugs, and they are just fine, no sign of abnormal conditions. The ECU isn't throwing any codes, and according to my fuel pressure gauge, I get plenty of fuel pressure while trying to start the car.

I'm kind of leaning towards the fuel filter at this point, I'm not certain it has ever been changed (I'm not the original owner). However, if that was the case, wouldn't the pressure gauge read a drop in the fuel pressure?

Is there anything else I should check while I'm at it?

EDIT: The engine in the car is an H22A, with an external coil distributor swapped in.

 

you could flow check your injectors on a bench... or atleast pull them and check there condition - you can hold something up against your head and listen to each one as well. but i don't think starting with a fuel filter is a bad idea - especially if it's never been done before... also - you didn't mention checking timing (if you're a 4th gen).

also does it "ever" throw any codes at you?

for your troubleshooting

 

No codes at all. Up until this started, it's been running like a champ since I swapped in the new engine. I did check my timing, and it's right where it should be, and hasn't been changed since I first got it running, post swap.

I actually had the injectors out just a couple weeks ago while I was relocating my fuel pressure regulator. They looked just fine. This problem existed both before and after I moved the regulator, so I don't think the two are related.

 

run some STP injector cleaner...they could just be getting gummed up

 

when you first turn your ignition on does you check engine light come on then go off after a few seconds. if it stays on its the main engine relay. Just a thought. this will cause it not to start or to start and stall.