any honda gurus in here

[RuStYpNuS]

I bought a 1997 prelude for a "to work and back" got a hell of a deal on it and the kid i picked it up from said it wouldnt start. weird thing is i can get it to start, most often i have to pump the gas pedal and its real rough at first then tends to idle out and rev just fine but once the rpms fall it typically stumbles and dies, i also have a few other questions about it but those can wait. if your local to the arlington area i would appreciate the help and can possibly shell out $ or beer.

[beefed88]

I would check MAP sensor vacuum line first, or it sounds like timing make sure the "kid" didn't put an adjustable timing gear on it. Any codes?

[RuStYpNuS]

No timing gears but they did replace the head. I figured timing as well but like I said when I get it to start it will idle and rev perfect. Just stumbles and dies after ill look into the map sensor but I'm thinking distributor. And the check engine light isn't on. The d4 lights up when you crank it but goes off afterwards

[shumpertdavid]

doubt it is the distributor, usually these are very dependable. if it has had the head replaced, I'd check the timing belt timing marks. Also might not hurt to check the valve clearance. if the valves are on the tight side it can affect vacuum. also check over the vacuum lines and map sensor as stated above.

[RuStYpNuS]

See I was thinking timing at first until I got it started. It runs revs and idles fine but hard as hell to fire up and eventually stumbles and dies normal after reving. The trans can also be shifted out of park without brake or key on and sometimes the car wont read the key. Kind of weird. Oh and the D4 light will light up when I start but then turns off right after.

[beefed88]

Sounds like it may be retarded a tooth or two. Hopefully not enough to bend valves. I also doubt it is the distributor most of the ones I have seen won't spark at all.

[RuStYpNuS]

How hard is that to check and correct?

[beefed88]

Should be able to take the timing belt inspection cover off rotate engine and make sure timing marks line up, #1 compression stroke, balancer at Tdc I believe. If the timing is perfect check valve adjustment they might have them too tight.

Probably a good idea to pick up a Haynes/chilton manual for all the specs.

[turbos66coupe]

Hey scott I've got mitchell, hit me up at work and ill get you hooked up