Help; 1983 Prelude just quit running and won't start

Discussion in 'Prelude' started by Super Star, Dec 7, 2003.

  1. Super Star

    Super Star Guest

    This car has been running great, but on the way to work the other
    morning it just quit running. No noises or prior warning, just quit, and
    no hint of wanting to start since(the starter works fine. Electrical:
    Big fat spark from the coil, small spark at plugs. Fuel: I get fuel
    past the fuel filter, and the fuel cut-off selenoid works. I checked
    the timing belt, the TDC timing mark and the cam timing marks align and
    indicate no slippage of the belt, which appears to be in good shape and
    not oily. The car doesn't even try to fire after spraying starting
    fluid into the carburator.

    Any suggestions as to what to try next?
    Thanks,
    Greg
     
    Super Star, Dec 7, 2003
    #1
  2. If the engine rotates but will not start, check these items:
    Defective fuel pump relay and or harness at relay

    Broken, loose or disconnected wires at the ignition coil or faulty coil.
     
    Bill B. Johnson, Dec 8, 2003
    #2
  3. Super Star

    Super Star Guest

    D'oh! The huge difference in spark quality between the coil (big, fat
    spark) and the plugs (weak, meager spark) prompted me to start with the
    cheapest, simplest solution. Replacing the distributor cap & rotor
    solved the problem. Very strange to me that the car would just
    completely stop running while hot, but it runs fine now! No obvious
    cracks or anything on the cap, and I had even cleaned off the contacts
    and rotor with emory cloth and even elongated the center carbon
    electrode in the cap to no avail. Clearly a demonstration of the KISS
    concept: Keep It Simple Stupid.

    Thanks all,
    Greg
     
    Super Star, Dec 9, 2003
    #3
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