I have a '93 Accord automatic, 180,000 miles. Here recently, dunno if because it got cold or what, it has been taking forever to get it started up on a cold moring. This morning it took me at least 4-5 extended cranking periods to get it to run. I first noticed this a month or so ago when it was warmer and it would have to turn over for about 5-6 seconds instead of the usual 2-3. It has just gotten much worse now that the weather is cooler. It also gets ~27mpg on the highway at ~75-80mph and I think it should do a little better than that. I'm thinking that it may need a new coil, plugs, and wires to start with. Any help is appreciated.

 

did you check the battery recently. my car had the same problem and i put a new battery in and that fixed it.

 

It is turning over fast like it should. I did just unhook the battery and it reset the ecm. Don't know if that could have anything to do with it or not.

 

find out how many volts the battery is putting out. i think a good battery is supposed to be putting out 12 volts.

 

I'll stop by the parts store and have the battery and alternator checked out tomorrow. The engine is turning over as fast as it normally does it just isn't starting up. It sits there and kicks and sputters like some of the spark plugs aren't kicking in at first or maybe it isn't getting fuel. If you've ever started up an older diesel in very cold weather, it feels like that. Thing is, it has just cooled down here, it isn't cold at all. Nights right now are in the 50's.

 

Is the check engine light comming on? (you said you reset the ecu) And you don't have to disconnect the battery to reset the ecu. Pull out the (radio, backup) 7.5amp fuse from the underhood fusebox for ten seconds. I think that would be easier.

 

The CEL is not coming on. I installed a headunit recently and that's why I unplugged the battery, although pulling the fuse would have served the same purpose there also.

 

Most definately I would say drop some fresh NGK plugs in there and see if there is a difference.

 

Battery tested fine. Weird thing, it started up just fine all day today but then while sitting at a drive-through window today it started to idle really rough and the exhaust sounded a little funny no matter if it was in N, P, or D. straightened itself out after a minute or two. I'm thinking plugs, wires, and coil. I don't want stock crap so if anyone has had good experience with any of the affordable aftermarket components, please let me know.

 

guys forget the battery,,,, he stated engine is cranking fast.......I would start with plugs, ( ngk ) cap, rotor, fuel filter .. use all Honda parts, much better quality ,,your car will like you for it ..,,

 

I just ordered ngk plugs&wires, and bosch distributer&rotor all for $70. Just wating for it to get in now.

 

By the way, 27 MPG on a 93 with 180K is normal. I've never gotten better than 29 and average 27-28 with mixed driving and 70 to 80 MPH on the interstate (and backroads for that matter. ).

 

Try having the fuel pressure checked or checkit yourself,I have put in numerous amount of fuel pumps in that year car for the same problem 90-93 accord

 

Not really familiar with the engine bay and all in the car yet, is there a place on the fuel rail to tap in to? What pressure should I be looking for?

 

There isn't an easy way to check fuel pressure on those cars. I would also like to know if there is an adapter available to screw into that 12mm on the fuel rail. Do your tune-up first, then see if you need to dig further. By the way, when was the last time you changed those ignition parts and when was the last time you changed the fuel filter?

 

there is a 12mm bolt you can remove and hook up a fuel gauge in the rail,, with the return hose disconnected pressure should be around 40 -45 psi

 

I ask again, how do you adapt a fuel guage to that metric machine bolt hole?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by amckee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I ask again, how do you adapt a fuel guage to that metric machine bolt hole?</TD></TR></TABLE>

i got a set from matco it came with all sorts of adopters,, ,, just get an adopter at the local ace hardware store ,, if they don't have one .. matco, snap-on or mac tools ,, will have one

 

Thanks.

 

Just bought the car about six months ago so I haven't replaced anything really. The wires are stock I think b/c they have 1993 on them, but they aren't really cracked and brittle like old wires usually are. Dunno about the plugs and distributor. Where is the fuel filter located and is it an easy r&r or do I need a special tool to get the line disconnected? still learning about the Hondas

 

Fuel filter is on the firewall. It's easy to get to but it will seem like a gorilla tightened the connections. If those wires are original, they are WAY past due. I wouldn't even consider anymore troubleshooting until the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor have been changed.

 

I just replaced the fuel filter and air filter, air filter was on the verge of being stopped up I knocked a good bit of trash out of it. The fuel filter wan't bad, I just pulled the air intake pipe, moved the "whatever it is that has a bunch of vacuum lines going to it" aside and that gave me enough room to work. I don't like the design of the fuel line on the engine side of the filter, that bolt has to turn to the exact same point every time for fuel to run through it. Car runs fine now though, I'm sure it'll run much better with the new ignition components though.

 

That fitting is a banjo. If you look down in the hole, you'll see that the port in the bolt opens into a recess in the fitting that allows flow from any position. It's like a band of liquid around the bolt port. Glad you're running better. Sounds like it was past due for some basic maintenance. Keep up with it and those generations will run forever.