ClemsonAcura

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a 97 2.5 TL Premium as my winter car here in Colorado. Car has very good history on maintenance etc and just had the coolant and transmission drained and filled by the Acura delaership locally.

So here is my question.

The car has 180k on it. Sometimes when I go to start it it takes...aproxiametly 3-4 seconds of the starter turning to start the car. The starter is always turning it isnt the loud click of the worn out starter contacts it is instead just a "slow" start.

The weather is dry and a little colder. THe battery "looks" older...the spark plugs might be a little older. The car runs great once started.

I guess the reason why I am asking is because on colder days, and wetter days it has started after 1-2 seconds..so it is the variance that disturbs me.

Also the car has not sat for 24 hours during any of these times. Warm start versus cold start doesnt seem to matter.

Can anyone offer any help or advice? What this sounds like? The engine is clearly getting spark and fuel. Just seems to take longer to "catch".

Thanks in advance for any help.

TexasHonda

Is the starter turn-over speed slow? If yes, suspect a new battery is needed. Walmart has a battery monitor (volt meter ~$15) that allows you to assess battery voltage after sitting. If it drops below 12V after sitting for 12 hrs, battery may be weak.

It could be a fuel pressure issue. Try turning keyswitch to ON, and waiting 3 seconds before attempting to start. If this helps starting, you may have a partially blocked fuel filter, weak fuel pump, or leaking injector.

New plugs may be a good investment. Go w/ the NGK platinum tip plugs, if your pocketbook will take the damage (<$50 online). A good and cheap (<$10) substitute are the autolite platinum tip plugs. I've used them in Accords w/ good results. Make sure air filter is clean.

What is timing belt history? If you don't know and can't find out, I would assume it has not been done and have done soon. If it was done on schedule you're good till about 220k miles. If you decide timing belt is needed, a water pump should be installed at same time. They will rarely make 200K miles if it's never been replaced.

good luck

ClemsonAcura

iTrader: (1)

The starter sounds strong... turns the engine over vigorously for that 4-5 seconds then starts.
I will try that waiting for the fuel system to "prime" and see if that helps.
I actually do have timing belt history for the car it was done right at 100K and a new water pump was done at that time.

This thing looks like it is about the easiest engine to change plugs on ever...

And despite the fact that people seem to say the 2.5 is under powered I am actually pretty impressed with its giddy up above 4K

TexasHonda

I think the acceleration is impressive and so does my 23 yr old son, who uses it quite a bit. I use regular gas and have had no problems, but others swear by premium. I got 24 mpg on my last around town (mixed freeway and street drive of 50 miles each way). That's w/o a lockup torque converter. Mine is out and can't be fixed w/o removing trans, which works fine otherwise.

Let us know what you find about starting.

good luck

Go90go

I'm thinking plugs or dirty fuel filter as it's either not sparking or there's not enough to spark.

~Cheers~

ClemsonAcura

iTrader: (1)

Wait can we use regular gas? It says premium but we can use the basic stuff?

Where is the fuel filter? If its pretty straight forward I would just go ahead and change that.

Go90go

Have rags ready to catch excess fuel, and loosen the banjo bolt on the fuel rail first to relieve pressure. I don't remember where the filter is on the 2.5 but on the 3.2 and 3.5, it's by the firewall, next to the charcoal canister.

~Cheers~

KrayzieDxC