90 sedan cranks but won't turn over

[Ziprock]

I tried searching for "wont start" "will not start" etc but the search cuts out words like wont and will so i was getting results with any post with "start" in it. So heres my thread specific to my car.

My accord got 50ft from my driveway a few weeks ago and shut off. Haven't been able to start it since.

When starting, it cranks but wont catch. I mean, drive pulleys rotate but im not getting ignition. Ive checked fuel and i know the motor is getting some. Im pretty sure im not getting any spark.

Ive got a new battery and the check engine light does not stay on.



Some people are telling me new plugs and wires will fix this. Is that right?


Im convinced this has to be something simple but ive got nobody around my area that can help me out.

[cvc7chris]

have u checked your main relay?

might need resoldering..

[Dmod]

could also be the distributor, or just the cap, or rotor. when was your last tune up?

[blackedout]

or how about new plugs? check them out man. if they are black that may be it.

[CB7Jay1]

replace the ignitor/distibutor.

[Cool Runner]

Ok you need fuel air and spark to have ignition.

So since you say you have fuel did you pull a spark plug out and see if it sparks?

Also just having fuel isn't enough you need to have adequate pressure

[vh22accord]

Pull the valve cover and see if the timing belt broke?

[Flatline]

replace the ignitor/distibutor.

x2 i would check the dizzy out. make sure the coil and igniter are still good. the timing belt is a possibility, but it would have stopped rough because the piston would most likely be smacking the valves it that was the case.

just check and see if you getting spark at all. take a screwdriver and put into the wire and put it near the VC. have some one turn the car over and you'll see a spark. if not then it's something with the dizzy

[Ziprock]

Thanks guys

i tested for spark and it doesn't look like im getting any. I know the timing belts okay, it was replaced last year and when it quit it just died, nothing crazy.

How would i check my dizzy to see if thats where the problem is

[Flatline]

Thanks guys

i tested for spark and it doesn't look like im getting any. I know the timing belts okay, it was replaced last year and when it quit it just died, nothing crazy.

How would i check my dizzy to see if thats where the problem is

trial and error. go for an igniter first. that one's not too expensive. then move on to the coil. that will run you about $40-$80 depending on the type you have.

[CB7Jay1]

Def sounds like ingnition/distributor problem, if the TB broke, open your oil cap and have someone turn the motor over, and check to see if the valves move, dont turn it over too much tho, if they are then the TB is fine.

[Ziprock]

i took the distributor, the whole thing, out of a working accord and put on my car. there was no change in noise or anything else. i hear the fuel pump and i know fuel is going to the rail at least. and its not the battery/connections

have u checked your main relay?

might need resoldering..

ill try this next if you or another member can explain how id do it, im not even sure where its located on these cars.

[green_machine7]

Like one of the ither members said, I think its the relay. Very common problem. If possible you should see if you can get a used one to try it before sinking a bunch of money into it. I had a similar problem with my fiance's CB7. I changed the relay and its been good since.

[Ziprock]

Now because the motor quit without any noise at all i was thinking it couldn't be the timing belt. Whenever someone says they snapped a timing belt they talk about a god awful loud noise. I was going slow when the car died (about to come to a stop sign) and i don't think my valves contacted the pistons. I also saw my drive belts moving and assumed if they moved then the timing belt was okay too. I also learned that without a timing belt, it wouldn't matter if the distributor was good or not. It wont spark with or without one if the belts gone.


My timing belt was not OEM.

When i get a belt on ill let you guys know what my results are.

[ExplodingCake]

Symptoms of each critical components:

Main Relay - no clicks then no fuel
Fuel Pump - no prime no fuel
Ignitor - Shuts off when hot then turns on when cold
Ignition Coil - shuts off then will not start until replaced