Expert: Sean Halliday - 8/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a 92 Honda Prelude. I later found out that sometimes the car will crank and start and other times it just cranks.  I replace the main relay RZ-0139 as many posts online suggests could be the problem with no change.  I found out that when it does not start we could disconnect the aircleaner and spray stater fluid down the intake tube and it starts right away and runs great.  

My buddy has the same problem with his 92 Civic and he is the one that told me about the starter fluid trick.  Not the fix I want but saves me from calling the tow truck as once before.  Also, sometimes if you let the car sit or just keep trying to turn ignition on, crank - ignition off, ignition on, crank it will sometimes start.

What do you think the problem is?  Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Fuel pump.

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QUESTION: $160 and one fuel pump as you suggested and the problem still exists and unchanged.  Im not an expert but even I didn't think it was the fuel pump because as I said, once you prime it with starting fluid it starts and runs greats.  As a matter of fact, it will continue to start the rest of the day until you let it sit.  I was thinking more along the lines of something related to cold starting devices like a choke on a carburated car.
ANSWER: If not the pump then it must be in the fuel system.The injectors,posibly may be failing but it may be an electrical problem with the relay.You also have the fuel pressure regulator and the throttle body itself.Check all and see what you find especially the injectors when the car wont start.

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QUESTION: Are you sure your an expert? I don't think you could have been more general in your answer. It obviously a fuel problem if starting fluid makes it start.

Answer
How many miles on this car?Bad compression may cause this and spraying starting fluid in the intake will start it but if the valves are bad this is a symptom.When you spray the fluid,the octane rises considerably and ups the compression but fuel alone may not fire because of poor compression.Do a compression check and read all the cylinders.They should be 100psi,each approx.low readings will cause start problems.lower than 100.is time for a valve job/head gasket.In the low 80s 70s definately bad valves.