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View Full Version : 97' Honda Accord 4cyl Won't Start


gexbird
Jun 1, 2009, 11:19 AM
1997 Honda Accord with 4 cyliinder won't start. Cranks great but won't fire.
Replaced the main relay and remedied the problem for few months.
Now the problem is back but to fix it I just replace the spark plugs and it fires up and runs great for 2 to 6 weeks and then comes back again. The car has 265,000 miles on it and at first I was okay just replacing the plugs every so often but it has stranded me a few inconvenient times and I'd like to fix it.
The plugs have oil around the ceramic when I pull them out but the tip is perfect. I seem to have a small valve cover gasket leak. By the time I've gotten to replacing them they have a lot of fuel on them from starting attempts but look great otherwise.
Do I have a failing ignition coil? Is the oil around the ceramic breaking the plugs down? What do you recommend?

TxGreaseMonkey
Jun 1, 2009, 12:22 PM
. Replace seals on the spark plug tubes and valve cover gasket.

. Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil, if the Check Engine Light comes on and goes off normally when you turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II):

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post265896

ICMs and coils should be replaced every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. I'd replace the rotor, while you are at it.