98 Accord EX vtech 2.3 4 cyl wont start

[jclifford]

Three months back we replaced a timing belt. Last week it was real cold outside and it wouldnt start. It acts like the timing is off, but we checked timing marks on the belt today and everything lines up the way it should. The distributor pointed to #1, and we put a timing light on it and it cranks and was right on the mark. Loosened fuel fitting and turned the key on and it sprayed, so we are getting fuel. When its cranking, it hits like it wants to fire and its about outrunning the starter but it just wont start. Installed new spark plugs today as well, just in the case that was the problem. On the new plugs, the spark was blue with a little bit of orange. The valve cover was off and the cam is working good. All the rocker arms were moving correctly. The car is so close to starting but it just wont do it. Timing was the initial concern but everything seems to be in order. The Accord just turned over 200,000 miles. Any ideas on what could be going on with this?

[nehonda]

Maybe some bad fuel? Try some starting fluid.
Otherwise check the compression as you may have some valves not sealing with the high mileage.

[jclifford]

The fuel is fresh, tried starter fluid but it just wont start. It tries to start, really cranking its ass off, but dies as soon as you let go of the key.

Throw me some ideas guys, I am fresh out.

[Artificialist]

Will the vehicle start and stay running if you're slightly pressing down on the gas pedal as you're cranking, and stall/run rough again after it starts and gas pedal is released?

[redaccordcoupe]

are the wires on in the correct order on the cap? i have had this happen to me before. its a simple diagnosis and fix if so

[redaccordcoupe]

could also be a bad ground on the coil, or battery terminal. sometimes the engine will get spark, but not enough to fire, is the mil/cel on at all? try cleaning the tb and check your airbox you may not be getting sufficent airflow. try taking the tube off right at the tb and see if it starts then. next i would say check compression ifg all those fail.

[jclifford]

Got back at it, and it ended up being build up inside the fuel relay switch. Cleaned it out with a brush and put a little grease inside, plugged it back in, and it fired right up.

[redaccordcoupe]

very niiiiceee