1998 Honda Accord LX vtec 4 cyl 165k miles
Problem:two years ago engine totally shuts down while driving....had distributor replaced and ok...fast forward 10-22-17 and it shut down two times...each time I raised hood, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down, and it starts up and runs. I see a loose connection on the starter solenoid and a harness connector “appears” to be loose so I tighten them up, but thinking I fixed the problem it shuts down a third time after about 3 miles. I was thinking of bad connections but now it appears to be a “heat” problem because why would waiting a few minutes to cool down and the engine starts? I cracked the hood (still locked) and drove another 6 miles going 40mph and got home. Question: at this point what am I looking for, a heat problem of a component, a bad connection or what? any ideas? this is my transportation and I need this for long medical trips for wife.

 

If all the electrical connections are clean and tight with no corrosion at the connector to wire crimp, it is most likely a component thermal failure.
Starter connections would not affect the engine running, only if the starter functions. Large wire powers the starter, small wire powers the solenoid. There is nothing there that would control the engine running.
When the car dies is it hard to restart? If so when the engine does not start what is the tach doing? If it does not move then most likely there is a problem with the ICM of the distributor.

 

Well I drove to my local buddy's repair shop and while driving over there, the car worked great.
We started the engine then commenced to move, adjust, pull, reseat all possible wire connections, even thru the
ignition sw. but to no avail. Car is still running ok. when it did shut down, it started up with no problem. I cleaned the battery
connections, replaced one battery cable terminal post and sprayed WD40 on the wiring and connections. This is crazy. I can
drive car but still have the FOF (fear of failure) in the back of my mind. It a component fails, then I'll have to wait when it does.
thanks for in input.

 

i would pick up a fuel pressure tester from harbor freight and drive around with the gauge facing you through the windshield, see if fuel pressure is dropping off when it dies

 

good data folks...I appreciate the feedback...the engine starts up ok in a couple of minutes and has been running ok
so far for two weeks now...still not 100% confident but will do what I can until it happens again...battery terminals cleaned, one replaced
and all wiring and hoses pushed, pulled, moved while engine running and all was well doing it...so...will keep reading additional info on
the forums and hope it stays kool with driving...thanks again...