1991 Honda Accord EX starting problem

MXTRP

MEMBER
1991 HONDA ACCORD

Hi I have a 1991 Honda Accord EX with 172,000 miles that is experiencing some starting problems. The car sometimes will not crank--when I feather the gas pedal it will then crank. Sometimes it doesn't though. I noticed that it seems that when the car sits overnight and we get a hard rain the car has a very difficult time starting in the morning. The car does not have a problem starting all the time only once every few days or as mentioned above. Any help you could offer would be appreciated.

MT

3 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Is it possible that you can narrow it down to not wanting to start in wet conditions? You mentioned a heavy rain, so how about after a car wash or an engine sprayed with water? I am getting at a possible wire cover on the distributor or plug. They get old do not fit so well and moisture can get in and affect the electron flow.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

MXTRP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Bruce,

It seems that it happens more often when it rains. However, I have never had a problem after washing the car, maybe this is because the car is running when it is being washed. Could the gasket for the distributor cap be no good and it is allowing moisture inside the cap too? I have a minor valve cover leak also and already have a gasket kit to install. So I think that I will replace the spark plug wires, spark plugs and distributor cap.

Any other suggestions?

MT

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

No, I think when you have completed that you may have solved your problem. When you replace the plug wires make sure you use the silicone they provide to lube the plug connectors. Let us know what happens.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM