I have a 1990 Acura Integra with the 1.8. This car has been very dependable throughout its 195,000 miles, but in the past year has developed a vexing problem. Sometimes, only when it is hot, it will start normally, then idle down too low and die. It will then not restart for at least 10 minutes. (No pop or anything when you crank.) If you wait 10 minutes, or 15 or 20, it eventually will restart and idle fine.

What I have looked for: vacuum leaks (found none), any error codes on black box (none indicating).
What I have done in last six months: tuneup (plugs, filters, etc., including new fuel filter), new alternator.

I should also say that the battery in the car is about 4-5 years old, but still spins the engine just fine on the coldest mornings. Have not had it load tested but plan to do that soon.

Any ideas what this starting problem might be. I've learned to live with it, but my 17-year-old daughter will get this car this year and I need to take care of the starting problem before then.

 

Damn, I thought I replied to this. Did you do all the maint stuff because it was due, or because of the problem? Hot start stuff is frequently an electrical resistance problem. Is it getting power to the plugs? How old are the distributor cap, coil, wires and ignitor?

 

You might have replied to someone else, but I'm a newbie. To answer your Qs, it is a brand new distributor as of about 4 months ago. (But it did the same thing before the new dizzy.) At that time it also got new plugs, filters, oil and even a new radiator. It did NOT get new plug wires, however.
I did the maintenance stuff mainly because it was due, plus I needed to replace the alternator and leaky radiator. Since I had it all apart anyway, thought I'd do it all at once. None of the new stuff had any effect on the hot-start prob.
I should add that this car has always run tip-top when it runs. And it starts dependably cold. It's just when it's hot and just sometimes.
I have noticed recently that my temp guage needle is sluggish and sometimes doesn't register at all until I'm idling (not moving). Also not getting much through the heater. This makes me suspect the thermostat. Wonder if all that might be somehow tied into my prob. Guess I'll replace it and see...

 

Check for Main Fuel Relay..

 

How has your gas mileage been lately? I believe that if your temp sensor is gone the car will start fine and run open loop but will continue in open loop (running on the program in the prom) when the car is warm when it should actually be running closed loop (taking readings from sensors). This means that you will be running a rich condition when driving while warm hence worse gas mileage. It also means that the computer is running the cold start program when your engine is actually warm (too much fuel too little air) and would have problems starting. I dunno, just a thought good luck though.

 

My books says to check this...

Engine hard to start when hot:

1. Air filter clogged.
2. Fuel not reaching the fuel injection system.
3. Corroded battery connections, especially the ground.

Hope this helps some :happysad:

 

Hello, the way to fix this car fast is to take it to an expert. Since you are giving this car to your daughter you want to make sure is safe.
The main thing will be to put a new battery, 5 yeras is too much to last. it is on its last miles....
The other thing is to check the fuel filter, and the fuel pump and its presssure. You may have vapor lock or the pressure is not holding after you shut the car off.
There are other things that can cause this hot hard start, like low compression a defective sensors etc. If you need more detailed info don't hesitate to contactme. poeavor@netzero.net.
Pedro.

 

Hi, I'm new to this forum, and not that car savvy. I am having the t same hot starting problem with my 92 Integra 1.8RS Hatchback(153K,MT). It simply doesn't start when outside temperature is 75+ or parked in sun on hot summer days.It cranks, turns the engine..so no problem with my battery or starter motor. The car runs fine, spark plugs are new, battery is in perfect condition, and not a single problem if outside temperature is low.

It searched some other Integra forums on the web, and it seems that bad soldering in old main relay is the problem. What I don't know is how to check whether main relay is the problem. Where is it locateed in my Integra? Is there any way to unplug and test the main relay before I go for a replacement?..please help

 

My mom's old Accord had this same problem. Granted that was a 2.2L, but it was the same deal. Hot start problem, in 75+ degree temps, even under the sun. Turned out there was a recall on the car for a vapor lock problem. Once they got that fixed, the car never had that problem again. Check to see if there are any recalls or TSBs on this.

 

jimax is right a factory installed hot soak kit can increase fuel psi ,and get rid of that vaporlock.try to remove the hose from the fuel pressure regulator this will increase the psi and raise the fuels boiling point!if thats the cause,it will improve if not run. it sounds fuel related,get a pressure reading.reply and ill have some more ideas.good luck

mark