my 91 crx w/ standard tranny has about 160,000 miles, runs like a top, oil change every 3,000, timing belt is good, new plugs, air cleaner is ok, gets 50 mpg, but sometimes it cranks fine but won`t fire. batt. is good. I can try it again right away and it will usually start, but not always right away. It hasn`t left me stranded, but I can`t trust it anymore. I determined the trouble is electrical from a sparkplug remote firing indicator borrowed from a mechanic neighbor. I left it with a local shop for almost a week and they can`t get it to fail to start. so I have it back home. don`t know what to do. does anyone have any experience with this intermittent non-starting business? I suspect the ign. switch with 160,000 miles, but parts are so expensive I hate to start buying them blindfolded. I have also read that if the radio noise supressor goes bad the car won`t start but my haynes book won`t tell me where it is, only 1990 ones. thank you. samk.

 

Hey, try replacing the ignition coil, most of the time it's that, especially if you pull the dist. cap and there's oil inside there, i've seen them fail intermittently before.

 

thanks zoomer , I`ll try it. love this site.

 

to my knowledge there are only to things that cause honda not to start intermintinly is the distibutor or auto shut down relay under the dash. dont know if you fixed it but i have issues with mine. i open the drivers door when it doesnt start and i hit the side panel with my hand where the vent is and it starts. dont drive mine much so i haveint replaced it.