Honda Car Forum

"MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in
news:4669ba13$0$4302$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net:

>
> "Tegger" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
> news:Xns9946CB4B4FDF8tegger@207.14.116.130...
>> "MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:4665cb09$0$4060$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net:
>>
>>> I have a '98 2.5 TL with 70k. Lately I have to turn the key longer
>>> for it to start - about twice to three times as long as when new.
>>> It still starts fine everytime, but I'm concerned this may wear the
>>> starter. Any thoughts? Tks,
>>> MZ
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> How old are the plug wires?
>
> Probably original. Plugs are 1yr old. Come to think of it, sometimes
> it "lopes" right after being started as well.
>
> MZ
>
>
>


Replace the plug wires (with OEM!). You're overdue and you need them
anyway.

Plug wires really only last about seven years before the insulation gets
dodgy. In wet or humid weather, the HT current leaks off before the
plugs and you'll get a weak spark.

If replacing the plug wires doesn't help, then further diag is
necessary.

How's your coolant level in the rad and in the expansion reservoir?

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

"MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4669bae8$1$4321$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net...
>
>
> I always turn the key and wait for the "buzzer" to go off before
> attempting to start. Always use premium fuel also. Have never used
> injector cleaner - have always been skeptical. Will consider though.
>
> Thanks,
> MZ
>

What I suggest is to "bump" the starter and then wait a few seconds before
actually trying to start. The fuel pump in most cars doesn't run until the
starter has first been engaged, then it will run for (usually) about five
seconds in hopes the engine will start in that time. That behavior is what
is used for the "shadetree" test for fuel pressure leakoff. By allowing the
pump to run and pressurize the fuel rail, the engine will then start (or
not) the same regardless whether the pressure had leaked off. Why does it
matter, and the engine not start after a very short delay? I don't know,
although I've watched a fuel pressure guage while doing this to a Jeep that
had a leaky check valve - in the tank! - and the pump took a couple seconds
to build the pressure back up.

Mike

"Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov> wrote in message
news:Xns9949AC8939320jyanikkuanet@64.209.0.85...
> "MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in
> news:4669bae8$1$4321$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net:
>
>>
>> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
>> news:hYGdnfWKO8UVjfvbnZ2dnUVZ_j2dnZ2d@sedona.net.. .
>>> "MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:4665cb09$0$4060$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net...
>>>>I have a '98 2.5 TL with 70k. Lately I have to turn the key longer
>>>>for it to start - about twice to three times as long as when new. It
>>>>still starts fine everytime, but I'm concerned this may wear the
>>>>starter. Any thoughts?
>>>> Tks,
>>>> MZ
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Try cranking for about half a second, letting the switch rest in the
>>> "run" position for a few seconds, then starting. If the engine starts
>>> right away, the fuel rail pressure is probably bleeding off.
>>>
>>> If not that, do the usual tune-up things. Replace distributor cap,
>>> rotor and plug wires with OEM parts if they are original, and replace
>>> the plugs (ditto) with NGK plugs or OEM plugs. If you are not using
>>> top tier gasoline regularly, a bottle of injector cleaner (most
>>> people favor Techron) in the tank is in order. Make things right
>>> first, then troubleshoot.
>>>
>>> Mike
>>
>> I always turn the key and wait for the "buzzer" to go off before
>> attempting to start. Always use premium fuel also. Have never used
>> injector cleaner - have always been skeptical. Will consider though.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> MZ
>>
> Does the manual CALL for premium gas?

Yes, stamped right on the instrument cluster.
MZ


> If not,you're wasting money for nothing.
>
> --
> Jim Yanik
> jyanik
> at
> kua.net

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in
news:t56dnQUZzOhFa_TbnZ2dnUVZ_gednZ2d@sedona.net:

> "MZ" <martinzed@ NOSPAM gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4669bae8$1$4321$9a566e8b@news.aliant.net...
>>
>>
>> I always turn the key and wait for the "buzzer" to go off before
>> attempting to start. Always use premium fuel also. Have never used
>> injector cleaner - have always been skeptical. Will consider though.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> MZ
>>
>
> What I suggest is to "bump" the starter and then wait a few seconds
> before actually trying to start. The fuel pump in most cars doesn't
> run until the starter has first been engaged,



Toyota does that.

Honda runs the fuel pump for two seconds when the ignition key is first
turned to "II". This coincides with the illumination of the "Check Engine"
light during those two seconds.

I have found it helpful to wait an additional few seconds after that
initial priming, before cranking. The car seems to start faster that way.




--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/