my friend's accord. '89 auto has starting problems
the symptoms didn't sound like any of the threads that came under search -.-

the problem is that it cranks but doesn't turnover (sometimes). since i didn't relli have time to look at it, today when it wouldn't turn over, i cranked it, and the tach needle seemed to studder up so i floored it and it the engine started running. (apparently giving air while cranking has worked every time(her dad does it to start it up for her)) (she didn't know what it means to give gas when cranking so she steps on the accelerator a few times THEN cranks and it USUALLY works)

my friend said this happens (might not be too accurate =\) when its v hot, v cold, when she "drives really fast on the highway" then stops for around 10 minutes and tries to crank again, when its cranked like more than 3 times: go here; stop for few hours; go there; stop for few hours; go here; stop for few hours; crank-craps out.

i was thinkin either battery or alternator has gone bad because starting the car numerous times craps out the battery and if it never gets recharged, not enough current will go to the starter to turnover the engine (giving air while cranking allows there to be more gas to be put in the cylinder therefore causing a bigger explosion during cranking which gives more power when starting???? thats why giving air while cranking works ??). i told her to check her battery/alternator tomorrow. but in the meantime, maybe my assumption sounds wrong and the symptoms seem to point somewhere else ?

thanks a lot guys =]