Erik Dahl wrote: > > Not to beat a dead horse, but when was the last tune up (i.e. cap and rotor mainly)? > I have seen this problem more times than not. Build up on the posts on the inside >of the cap and on the edge of the rotor blade keep it from getting spark. Just go in >there and clean them up and try it again. I fthat doesn't work you may need new >ones. Cheap fix and much easier than diagnosing and replacing the main relay. Plus, >if it hasn't been done in a while, it can't hurt (a tune up I mean). > > Erik D > 86 Si "MATCHBX"
Main relay failure symtoms, in my experience & understanding, involve the car not starting at all (usu. in high heat of a mid-summer early afternoon), then you wait a few hours & it quickly starts right up like nothing was ever wrong. If someone can carefully listen for the pump near where it is right after the key is turned on (maybe involving a second person), that would tell you if it's the main relay or not. If the pump is running & it takes a few extra crankshaft turns before it starts (perhaps roughly), it's not the main relay & could easily be a worn-down rotor etc. as Erik mentioned. The gap between the rotor end and the cap's posts gradually increases with miles, potentially ending up being like having a second spark plug inline with those in the combustion chambers. BTW, the local dealership told me a couple years ago when I had to replace my '85 Si's main relay that MkII CRXes seemed to have more of a need for replacement relays than MkIs, so you might want to be ready to replace the main relay (it's the perfect weather for it to go, at least here in PA). Roger '85 Si w/ clutch & tranny replaced awhile back with massive help from Erik (thanks again!)
