hard start in the am,cold engine. - Honda Prelude Forum

toby tough · 09-18-2011, 08:26 AM

hey guys. my daughters 88 dosent want to start in the am. takes about ten trys till it does and then it runs kinda rough for a bit.once thats all over with, it starts and runs like a fish.could it be the old fuel thats still in there?

Colfax · 09-19-2011, 09:37 AM

We need a little more information. You didn't say if it's fuel injected or carb'd, which is the most important thing. If it's car'b, how old is the gas? How long did the car sit without running?

S-LudeDan · 09-19-2011, 06:55 PM

If it's fuel injected you might need to consider cleaning the Throttle Body and then cleaning the IAC valve.

toby tough · 09-20-2011, 05:51 PM

hey guys. thanks for the replies. sorry bout not enough info. it's fuel injected. the car had sat for maybe 8 or9 months i'm thinkin.the previous owner got parkinsons and had to park it. the tank was almost full when that happened, and i figured that once that was gone pretty much i'd fill it again with fresh gas and the problem would be solved.NOT. it takes about 7 or 8 trys to get it goin', then it runs a bit ruff for a spell. but once it warms up, it'll start rite up,no problem.here in mn. it gets darn cold in the winter, so i gotta resolve this issue before too long. hopefully with some experienced help everything will be o k.thanks again. my chilton manual calss this an electronic air cotrol valve, is that the same thing? says its just downstream of the throttle body.

Colfax · 09-21-2011, 08:03 AM

What do you know about the car? How did it run before it was parked? If I buy a car without knowing anything about it, there are a few things I always do unless it's documented that the work has been recently done...

*. Complete tune-up including cap and rotor (if equipped).

* Check/adjust ignition timing (if applicable).

* Change oil and filter.

* Replace air filter.

* Replace fuel filter.

* Flush the cooling system.

* Drain and refill the transmission fluid.

* Check all hoses and accessory belts, replace if necessary.

If the car I just bought is a 3rd gen Prelude, in addition to the above, I also perform the following...

* Replace timing belt/tensioner/water pump.

* Adjust valve lash.

toby tough · 09-22-2011, 06:15 PM

Whoa. thats quite a list. but i see your point. make sure everything is good to go.we got a bag full of reciepts from the owner all the way baack to when he bought it in california new. i'll have to take a look at that stuff and see. i guess the only thing on your list that gives me the jitters is the timing belt replacement.i spose if i can build a house for someone, i can tackle that. thank you much. hey, if i parked my daughters lude behind your white one they'd be red,white, and blue. cool.

Colfax · 09-23-2011, 08:40 AM

Red, white, and blue ludes would look awesome!!!

The timing belt is the most critical thing on my list. If it fails you'll be looking at replacing valves in all likelihood. It's really not as hard as people think, you just need to take your time and follow the online manual.

Here is a tip for breaking the crank pulley bolt loose if you don't have an impact... leave the car on the ground, turn the steering wheel full lock to the left. Then have someone in the car standing on the brake pedal while you use a 1/2" breaker bar with a long extension to loosen the bolt. You'll probably also need a cheater on that breaker.

toby tough · 09-23-2011, 08:50 PM

howdy folks.hey,i was lookin at the receipts the guy kept,lookin' for one about the timing belt. found one at about 25k ago. do you think it's still ok ?it must have gone out on him and they pulled the head to check it out . doesn't say anything about replacing valves and whatnot. the work cost him @1300 back in 05. the belt was 45 bucks. would be nice if i didn't have to change that just yet.

S-LudeDan · 09-23-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toby tough

howdy folks.hey,i was lookin at the receipts the guy kept,lookin' for one about the timing belt. found one at about 25k ago. do you think it's still ok ?it must have gone out on him and they pulled the head to check it out . doesn't say anything about replacing valves and whatnot. the work cost him @1300 back in 05. the belt was 45 bucks. would be nice if i didn't have to change that just yet.

yeah it is still good. Usually needs replacing every 75k-80k miles.

$1300 is ridiculous price for timing belt service. Usually costs around $500-$750.

He got gipped.

toby tough · 09-24-2011, 07:34 AM

yeah, they charged him 500 or so just to pull the head and reinstall it. this guy saved every receipt for any work e had done. makes me feel better about it. gonna see about the iac and throttle body today if i can get the gasket and o rings .thanks for the reply and have a nice day.

S-LudeDan · 09-24-2011, 10:45 PM

no problemo