Engine start/stalling problem.

judderod · Post by **judderod** » Wed May 15, 2013 5:38 pm

I'd suggest you check the basics first.

1. Remove and inspect the spark plug tips.
2. Inspect the spark plug leads for major cracks or cuts. Is there moisture or oil inside the tubes?
3. As you reconnect each spark plug lead, make sure it clicks onto each spark plug nicely.
4. Check the spark plug leads are connected tightly to the distributor cap. If you have to remove them, remove and replace one at a time so you don't mix them up!
5. Try and start it. Any difference?
6. If not, remove the distributor cap and inspect the points on the inside, and the condition of the rotor arm.
7. If all that's good, put it all back together, try and get it started and see if you can recreate the fault. Wiggle the key, tap the fusebox, tap the distributor, wiggle the injector wires, vac lines, and spark plug leads, whatever you can to do try and narrow it down.

andypont · Post by **andypont** » Wed May 15, 2013 7:05 pm

Hi.
It looks like you have the right dizzy cap and coil pack. I understand the logic of buying new, but it's not easy without a full and correct diagnosis. Are you happy to buy new parts to keep trying on the basis that you intend on keeping the car long term so will get the use?
If so, then I would certainly get a rotor to go with the cap. Many people recommend you go for genuine Honda, as it is an inexpensive but important part. If it fails to start have you taken the plugs out straight away. If so, are they wet with petrol? I suspect it will be electrical, so plugs will be wet. If you're getting a weak or no spark then it could be rotor, cap, plugs or leads. If getting a decent spark then it must be at the wrong time. This could be dizzy cap, coil, pick up sensor or ecu. I wish I could offer better advice, but the last time I had issues anything like this I had an intermittent fault that I never did resolve!

pbryant_knight · Post by **pbryant_knight** » Thu May 16, 2013 10:16 am

Well, got up today and it wont start at all again. Didnt use it at all yesterday. You have to understand my total lack of mechanical knowledge. I don't really know a distributer cap from a baseball cap. Ill really need someone who knows what they're doing to do any work. Just trying to find directions to point them in. Problem is I can't get anyone to come look at it and can't get it started to get it to the garage. Plus I work days and am struggling to get time off.

Out of 7 ludes this is the first problem I've had. Really starting to get me down

Rocky · Post by **Rocky** » Thu May 16, 2013 6:14 pm

I agree with Judderod, good idea to check the basics first.

Plugs and leads are nice an easy to check. Check one at a time to make sure you plug it back in the correct place.

Even jently tuggin on each lead might show a loose connection, or just a visual check over the condition of the leads, check for any signs of damage.

It might not be the issue but it's free to check and easy to do. I'd imagine most people who work on their own cars started with spark plugs

pbryant_knight · Post by **pbryant_knight** » Thu May 16, 2013 8:28 pm

The weird thing is though when i finally got the car started the opther day, the engine was sweet. No misfires or anything.

Am i right in thinking that it probably isn't the ignition switch if when it was stalling, it didn't t just die but coughed and spluttered. Also, all the dash lights come on and it cranks over but doesn't catch.

I'm hopefully getting someone over to look at it at the weekend.

Just spent loads of time building a dvd screen and Satnav into the dash too (Seperate thread coming soon) and have a Motegi bodykit on the way

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Fri May 17, 2013 12:24 am

Worth checking the battery terminals and engine earths are fully tight too.

pbryant_knight · Post by **pbryant_knight** » Sat May 18, 2013 2:50 pm

Well, Had the mechanic guy out today and must say he seems very good. Checked loads of Stuff. The fuel pump seems to be working and fuel is getting to the rails. The spark plugs are worn but not totally buggered. Checked the fuel cut off switch which is fine. The voltage going to the rail only seems to be really hitting 2 out of the 4 though. He now seems to think it is the Distributer.

Andy, is the offer still open to have your spare distributer to try? Is it the full distributer?

Cheers

Peter

pbryant_knight · Post by **pbryant_knight** » Sat May 25, 2013 7:39 pm

Thanks to everyone who had input into this thread. The issue is now solved. Replaced the distributer and all is well.

Thanks to Rob Quilter for the Distributer and posting it straight away. Much appreciated.

Peter

Lude Generation

Engine start/stalling problem.

Re: Engine start/stalling problem.