94 Acura Integra flooding

When it happens, is there spark?

When it happens, is there any voltage on coil primary?

--scott

Doesn't seem to be.

He hasn't found the coil yet :-(

SOMETIMES it starts when hot with no problem at all :-(

I've never heard an engine sound like it does when it catches but is running really slow and trying to REALLY start.

Measure it! Make sure!

While he's looking, have him locate the TDC sensor and/or crankshaft position sensors. Those also need measuring.

Maybe there's no spark, maybe there is poor spark, maybe there is plenty of spark but the timing is way off.

--scott

Check ground connections.

It runs fine once it starts. Tonight it started hot with no problem. Drove home, turned it off, tried to start it again immediately. CURSES!

He says this is a Honda trait -- intermittent failure. If there was a complete failure you'd have a shot at diagnosing the problem!

Glad I bough a Toyota.

Sounds like a cam or crank sensor going bad. Pointed out by Scott, too.

I've been looking at failure symptoms at various sites. Poor running of one sort or another seems to be indicative, with intermittent starting down near the bottom. Of the two, the crank sensor seems to be closer to reality.

Further tests -- Fine spark on all plugs. Starting fluid does nothing except ONCE it made the engine race when squirted directly into the intake tube rather than at the air cleaner. Except for that, no reaction. Tapping various things under the dashboard sometimes allows starting, as does tapping various things under the hood. No repeatability. Sensors are too expensive to buy on spec :-(

I wish I trusted even the GOOD mechanic, who was unable to make my 88 Caddy stop trying to kill me with its auto-throttle. He said the only thing left to try was a throttle/computer part that wasn't even obtainable from junkyards. Only solution was crushing, for which the State of Kalifornia paid me $1K.

Ultimately (10 for 10 at least) the solution was replacing the coolant temperature sensor. The computer didn't see it while it was failing, but ultimately it showed up. Replaced it ($25 or so mail order) and so far so good.

I'm sure there's a rational explanation, but I don't want to think about this any more :-(

Life was easier with thermostats and heat risers. Plus you could throw one pretty far when you discovered the problem out in the middle of nowhere!

How interesting! One to remember.

Error! $6.00 and cheap at twice the price!