I have a 91 Integra GS B18A1. When I let the car sit for a while, to where it has no been driven for hours and is completely cold, it runs very rough when started. I turn the key, and the car will fire up for a split second and shut off, not going above a grand, just fire for literally a second and shutting off. I can then start it again, but it runs really rough and sounds like a subie, like its not firing on a cyl, and shakes like hell. After running for 15-20 seconds it will even out and run normal, sound great. I do know for one thing that my valve lash needs adjusted, I don’t know if this has anything to do with it, but it doesn’t hurt mentioning.I just bought the car, I was told it has a new distributor cap and I know it has new wires. Anyone have any ideas?
So the valves not being adjusted right can cause this? Replaced the plugs and inspected the cap and rotor, still does it. It will not do it if I leave the car off for like 10 to 20 minutes
if valves are too tight, from my experience either a cylinder will not be able to compress, or will not run all together…
if valves are loose, to a certain point, will still run, but will just be loud. like a diesel engine.
there’s different things that can affect the idle at cold start…
idle air control valve, fast idle control? (forgot exactly what it’s called, the unit directly under the throttle body on some models), intake air temp sensor (was the issue for me which did not let my car rev past 4 or 5k)…
have you tried resetting the ECU?
in the underhood fusebox, remove the ECU fuse, and the hazard lights fuse for 5 minutes, reinstall fuses, and start the car with no accessories on. turn off the radio, lights, fan, air conditioning, and let it run from cold to warm up. turn it off, then see if the problem is still there.
I had a similar issue a few months ago. Car would start up and then immediately shut down. Occasionally it would run really rough after start-up and then even out when I started driving. I re-soldered the main fuel relay and it fixed both problems.