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Honda Accord Repair Question


Topics covered: Spark, Crankshaft, Sensor.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on June 20, 2006

Car cranks over but won't start

1988 honda accord, 4 cylinders with 150,000 miles. One of the sparks plugs i replaced pop off the heads and the car stop running after a few miles. I rethreaded the sparkplug hole and tried to start the car but it only cranks over. I check the fuses and the spark plugs have a spark. Any ideas?
Avatar Asked by zepeda

Answer

Replied on June 20, 2006

May seem like a crazy idea but make sure the plug wires are in the right firing order. Did you pull the wires off the distributor?

Tiny Answered by Bruce Hunt (expert)
3,798 answers provided
Replied on June 20, 2006

Yes, i did check the firing order and they are correct. I think the spark plug ground and may have damaged an electrical ignition component or relay. What do you think?

Tiny Response from zepeda
10 questions asked
Replied on June 21, 2006

Is the spark a yellow and not a blue arc? Failed electrical components such as the crankshaft sensor will allow the plugs to spark but the timing is so far off that the plugs have nothing to ignite because the fuel mixture was sucked out with the exhaust stroke.

Tiny Answered by Bruce Hunt (expert)
3,798 answers provided

Replied on June 21, 2006

Yes, the spark does appear to be yellowish. Where would i locate the crankshaft sensor? Is there a way to test it or should i go ahead and install a new one.

Tiny Response from zepeda
10 questions asked
Replied on June 22, 2006

Have you gotten a check engine light to come on?

Tiny Answered by Bruce Hunt (expert)
3,798 answers provided
Replied on June 22, 2006

no. I went ahead and replaced the ignition coil, sparkplug wires, and the car cranks over but still won't start. I did notice an odd sound inside the block something like a winding sound, maybe. I can't figure out sound. I also tried using starting fluid on the carburator to see if it was a fuel issue. still nothing. If i an not mistaken the car should have continued to run on three valves when the sparkplug pop out. I don't understand?

Tiny Response from zepeda
10 questions asked

Replied on June 25, 2006

The crankshaft position sensor should kick on a check engine light. The EFI relay. That is what a friend name losone might tell you and he is a wise mechanic.

Tiny Answered by Bruce Hunt (expert)
3,798 answers provided