JakesCakes

Been having this problem for quite some time now and I need some help diagnosing it.

Symptoms:

The car will start fine, but after a short drive, and then being parked for a few minutes, it will not start or stalls on the first start. This has happened a lot at gas stations after filling up. I then have to wait a few minutes and try try again (usually giving it gas) until it decides it wants to start. Sometimes it will start then die as I give it gas.

Other Noteable Issues:

Minor exhaust leak somewhere between exhaust manifold and cat.

I notice the coolant reservoir gets low very quickly and I have to top it off.


Have replaced the following components:

O2 sensor
Distributor Cap
Rotor
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug wires
Ignition Coil
Injector cleaner/Seafoam a while ago
Recently had CEL 6 - I replaced the ECT sensor and CEL is gone.

No CEL codes showing up, but it will not start on occasion. The only other component I can think of is the igniter inside the distributor.

I am at a loss here, this is a really annoying problem. Any ideas vadriven?

nftuatn

first thing before spending money and throwing parts at it....would have been to put a fuel pressure guage on it and see if its got the correct pressure...

since im sure you didnt bother to see if you were losing fuel or fire when it wouldnt start

EGh22

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when it doesnt start back up? could be the main relay.

JakesCakes

I noticed the last time this happened that a few times i turned the key i did not hear the fuel pump clicking on. Guess i willb check the relay.

Also I replaced those items as general maintenance or because they went bad. I listed them to rule em out.

JakesCakes

Took a few cell-quality pics of the main relay. I am not sure what to look for, the solders seem fine, but there is a brownish "stain" if you will on it.

SleepySOHC

if your coolant keeps disappearing, maybe a blown head gasket along with it?

Fabrik8

The relay board looks fine, no obvious signs of solder joint fatigue. The brownish stain on the board is conformal coating lacquer that is used to protect the board against moisture. The brown stain on the edges of the solder joints themselves is flux residue from the solder assembly process.

EGh22

I previously owned a 91 hatch that had this problem. Turned out that a wire was breaking at the fuel pump. wouldn't hurt to take out your fuel pump and make sure everything is in tact. It's located underneath your back seat, all you'll need is a 10mm. let us know if you notice anything unusual.

eg9 typeR

its also possible that since your losing coolant you could have a blown head gasket and one or more of your cilinders is gettin coolant down in it and wet plugs wont fire till they dry a lil...i had the exact same problem in one of my previous hondas...good luck...

paperassgasket

bump. requesting an update from OP.
PGMFI relay?
Fuel pump?
Starter solenoid?

what the fuck was it? and did you figure out that coolant leak?