91 CRX DX 1.5 runs then dies, won't start til after it cools

Tiny
ADOLF
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 HONDA CRX
My 1991 Honda CRX DX 1.5 4 cyl with 188000 miles just started this problem. 11-21-07 It started fine, then started to buck and lose power until it came to a halt and died. It ran for about 45 minutes. It was like the gas pedal didn't work at all, no power, put it in neutral and no rev at all. After it dies the oil and battery light come on. Doesn't overheat, no leaks, no smoke, checked all fluids, belts (just had the timing belt change not long ago) connections, all looked fine. All lights worked, not dim. The car will cranks solid like it wants to start but won't and the oil and battery light remain on while trying to start. So, doesn't seem to be the battery, alternator or starter. Had it towed and the mechanic couldn’t replicate the problem (of course it works when he looks at it :) and ran for about 1 hour! Said he thought it might be the distributer or fuel pump. I changed the cap, rotor, plugs and wires and drove it again about 45 mins and turned it off. It sat for 30 mins then I drove it 20 mins. More. Turned it off for about 1.5 hours. Started it up and 10 mins later it died again. I then had another mechanic tell me the distributer TD 01U tested low so I changed it. Ran for about 10 mins then dies again. I'm told that it might be the fuel pump or catalytic converter. Catalytic Convertor because once it heats up it suffocates the engine and losses power. Once it cools down its fine. Makes sense because that’s exactly how it acts. Others disagreed. Fuel pump has been changed but awhile ago. It has never done this before and I'm running out of parts to replace and I don't want to keep changing parts if they're not the issue. I’m not aware of how to check modules or computer codes, I just open up my Chilton book and read/research/ask. Any help would be great! No major problems EVER with this car! I'm not giving up now. Please help!
Sunday, November 25th, 2007 AT 5:22 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
When it is dead, test for spark and fuel pressure. We need a solid place to start. If you are a reader and diagnoser, try the "repair manual" link. Takes you to Mitchell, same software shops use. It has complete diagnostic charts and the wiring diagrams that go with them
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Monday, November 26th, 2007 AT 7:24 AM

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