Hello,

My 91 EX 5-spd accord no longer wants to start. It makes the cranking noise and the engine shakes like its trying but it doesn't fire up. It is not an intermittent problem it just wont start anymore when it's hot or cold outside. I did notice however the last time it was started it clunked its way up and running and wasn't very smooth. The car ran smooth and normal once it was started though.

So far I've attempted to jump the car so I'm near certain it's not the battery. I've also been searching the forum and the car makes the click noise after the CEL goes off when the key is turned prior to starting, so I suspect it's not the main relay. Is there a more precise way to test the relay with a multimeter or something? I prefer not replace parts unless necessary (I'm not rich).

Where else would you guys suggest I look? I'm assuming I need to narrow down if it's a fuel or spark issue but how can I test them? I never have to work on cars much since I've owned the Honda so I'm not good with these things.

Thanks

 

Can you hear the fuel pump prime itself when the relay clicks? If not your main relay could be bad, or your fuel pump. You can see of you get voltage at the pump with a meter.
I'm not sure about your year, but if you can wack the pump try that that before turning the key. On my Civic, I can access it from under the rear seat. I had to tap the top of the pump cover to get it home when the pump was going out.
For spark, just pull off one of the plug wires and lay an old spark plug on the valve cover so it makes contact. Crank it and you should see spark.

Pick up a manual too, that should help you diagnose.

 

Thanks for the reply. When I turn the key I can hear a light whizzing sound under the hood before the relay clicks so I'm assuming thats fuel pressure building. I didn't have an extra plug so I just took one of mine out and grounded it to the valve cover and cranked it and I didn't see a spark. I noticed the spark plug has a lot of oil around it but not at the tip so I hope that is normal.

So assuming that I don't have a spark what is my likely point of failure and what can I test. I'll have to go out and pick up a manual for the car, any recommendations which brand I get? I've seen a few different kinds at auto parts stores.

 

Sounds like a bad igniter or coil. Possibly the distributor cap. The Haynes manual for your car will show you how to test/replace each of these components.

 

Well I'm trying to check the coil/igniter and I can't seem to get the rotor off to access it. I know there should be a set screw along the shaft but it doesn't seem to be there. Ive cranked the thing around to all the positions possible but no screw. The rotor is labeled TEC if anyone has any experience getting it off. Is it press fit or glued in? I can't figure it out.

 

There is a set screw there. It might be hard to see with the internal black plastic cover. Just make sure you don't strip it when trying to remove it.