Wont start turns over then coughs back to just turning over. Plugs etc done. New battery. Head gasket blue devil fix. 188k. Problem progressed.

 

Are any codes showing? I had similar issues on my 94 EX wagon and the code led me to replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor. Ordered online for $5. Wish I would have looked at it closer before ordering. Went to install new sensor and realized old sensor had become unplugged. From looking at it I think it was removed when the starter was replaced and not plugged in all the way. It must have slowly loosened and lost connection. I cleaned connectors and re-plugged old sensor, changed spark plugs (I think they got fried because sensor was not plugged in).

It fired right up and has ran fine since. Hopefully there is a code to help you isolate where the issue is.