Since I don't have the FSM for my 1992 Acura Integra yet (just ordered it from Helms), and since I don't feel like joining some nonsense Acura Integra forum, AND since you guys are the best around, I need to run these symptoms by you:

1992 Acura Integra, 4 cyl, 5 speed, 155,000 miles

Drove to the train station yesterday morning - no problem. Got back in the evening, it started right up. As I was accelerating onto the highway, it started to buck a little bit, then completely stalled out. I was able to coast into a parking lot. I tried to start it up again, but it would just crank. I started to think "timing belt", and then smelled fuel. Waited about 30 seconds, turned the key and it started up. After it idled for a few seconds, I revved it up and it started to stumble again, then flat out died. It would not restart.

My wife and kids came to pick me up, we had dinner, and after a few hours, I went back to see if it would start again. Sure enough, it fired right up, though I still thought I smelled fuel. It idled and revved up ok, so I decided to drive it home. 20 miles later, I was home with no problem. It started up and drove fine this morning, too. WTF??

I changed the fuel filter 2 months ago, so I am thinking it is something ignition related (ignition module?), or perhaps a failing fuel pump? No codes - Service Engine Soon light did not come on at all.

You guys ever experience symptoms like this? And ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Dan

 

I am leaning twards the fuel pump. How much fuel was in the tank when this happened?

 

It does sound ignition related to me. I'm not familiar with Acura, as I never owned one. I guess you can go through the checking fuel pressure and testing the ICM. How long since doing any ignition maintenance? Seems like it only did this when the engine was hot except for the "Waited about 30 seconds, turned the key and it started up. After it idled for a few seconds, I revved it up and it started to stumble again, then flat out died. It would not restart."

 

Just re read. Ignition would be the better bet since you did smell fuel which would idicate fuel is going through the system. Have a look at the cap and rotor, ignition module and check the wires. Might have a loose or burn wire.

 

Thanks for the quick replies!

Tank is full - just filled it up a few days ago. I thought maybe I got a bad batch of gas, especially since we had a TON of rain here (NY) over the past few days. But, it drove perfectly on the way home last night.

I've owned the car 2 years and haven't done any ignition maintenance yet. When I got it, cap terminals and rotor were in good shape, plugs looked good, wires checked out, but again - that was 2 years and 10,000 miles ago.

I'll check those components out this afternoon when I get home from work. Would I be able to loosely follow the ignition module testing procedure from the FSM for my '87 vette? It can't be that different, right?

 

Agreed. Can't hurt to hang a fuel pressure gauge on the car next time it won't run, but I don't think you'll find the problem there.

Sounds like either the ignition system is failing (for a total no-run/no-start condition, forget about plugs -- look at igntion module, etc), or injectors are dumping too much fuel in. Most likely it's ignition-related. Next time it won't run, check for spark at the plugs, then at the coil wire, and troubleshoot your way back from there.

Be well,

SJW

 

As soon as I got home last night, I put a volt meter, my vette FSM, and some tools in the car because who knows when it'll cut out again

 

It would be close enough to where you could get a head start without a book.

 

I know it's a longshot but sometimes you can call the dealer and speak to the mechanic or service mgr. and tell them what's going on with your car. They MIGHT give you a good answer especially if you bought it from them and it want run. btw the Yankees play tonight.

 

We'll see which Randy Johnson decides to show up. Contreras is going to be tough...