Hello I have a 1990 HONDA ACCORD LX F22A1 208K miles. My problem is it's hard starting after it sits for any longer then 24 hours and as it sits longer and longer it seems to get worse as in takes even longer to start the car on the first start. I really need to figure this out especially before winter comes the battery is brand new but I have yet to get it tested to be sure. Here's what normally happens recently when I go to start it the first time I've tried priming it multiple times to see if it could be a fuel leak but it doesn't seem to be. I could start it for the first time anytime of the day it'll take sometimes 3-6+ cranks of holding the key in the position to start the engine then I let it run anywhere from 15-30 seconds turn it off then turn it back on it turns over instantly. Could there be any sensors causing this? Please help me as I am need of fixing it before winter any information/help is greatly appreciated thank you in advanced to anyone who can help me.

Battery checks out good after sitting over 24 hours too it sits at 12.5-12.6 with the car off for long periods of time depending on the temperature but I think I should still have a load test done on it. Also i'd like to make a note that this is more so of a sudden thing because when I got a pick up truck a few months back I let my honda sit for a full 7 days went to start her up and she started right up with no cranking like the problems i'm having now but what-ever it is could of all of a sudden gotten worse.

 

me too have the same issue with ls vtec

 

Does it happen more when its hot outside ? Could be a bad main relay.

 

"Holmes" - Not sure of the OP's issue?

OP- is the starter spinning the engine everytime....or whne the issue is happening the starter is NOT spinning the engine?

 

What i think it is fuel pressure regulator. Do one thing connect fuel pressure gauge and then start the car the pressure should be near 40 psi at idle or check for your specs but turn the car off then and let it sit for some time may be hour or so. if you see certain pressure drop then fuel pressure regulator is bad.


Another test that when you start the car after its been sitting long, keep the car at ACC for atleast 10 seconds. Then if car starts immediately then you know Fuel pressure takes time to build to normal level hence fuel pressure regulator is bad

 

mine is spinning and spinning and spinning...
il add a fuel pressure regulator/gauge and see, last time it happened I turn the key on and off a couple time to get the fuel pump to prime but did not help

 

Is there any voltage drop between starter an battery?
whatever you got good battery, voltage drop can cause faulty start.
Also need to check how much voltage is going to starter.

If starter is ok, you also need to check ignition system.
Is there any voltage drop on ignition coil?
hows ur wiring condition?
is there any damage on your spark plug?


if you have no problem on ignition system then check fuel system..

is there fuel leaking?

put the key on(not running engine) then if can hear buzz sound from fuel pump

until you check here please leave response

 

Nothing is going to change if car is left for long time, a debateable thing may be the change in resistances of spark plug wires and ignition coils but any change due to temperature difference wont make it long start. because with long crank resistance does not change back to OEM specs.

If it was battery then on cranking it would further drop and may result in no start.
I am preety much sure its related to fuel system