This afternoon after driving for 15 minutes, I returned to my car to find that I needed to turn it over a few times before it started. I recently bought it (8 months ago) and haven't done much to it, except an oil change.

When I depressed the clutch and turned the key, everything sounded good but just didn't start. I pumped the gas a few times while turning the key, but no joy. Luckily after 4-6 attempts it started up after sputtering and almost stalling.

I drove very carefully and noticed a sputtering/choking sound whenever I shifted. Felt like I would stall out if I hadn't depressed the clutch. A few minutes later, as I rounded a turn and went into 2nd, I heard a pop in the undercarraige and continued to drive. I haven't heard another pop since.

I went to a local hobby shop thinking I had fuel issues, and since I hadn't done anything to the car since I purchased it, I figured changing out the fuel filter would be a good start. No luck. Still having the same problems.

I took some more time with the car and am noticing that as I slowly release the clutch I'm no longer getting any forward momentum. Like all manual cars, there is that sweet spot on the clutch that gives you a boost...not there anymore.

Other things that I'm thinking may be the problem: Timing belt, bad fuel, plugs, etc.. . I really have no clue.

Can I get anyone else's opinion?


It's a 1993 Honda Accord LX. 190,000 miles

How about regular maintenance items: spark plugs, wires, distributor cap?

Sam

I think there are two issues here. Trouble starting the engine and a loud pop and the other issue is no forward momentum, whatever that means. Question: Does the engine run now? If it doesn't, take off the oil filler cap and have someone look at the cam to see if it turns when the engine turns over. If that's good, do you have spark? If the engiine runs, does it just feel like it doesn't have any power? When you engage the clutch and place it in gear, does the engine die or you just can't get the car to move with the gears engaged. Could be a clutch problem. A lot of things to check, so do these and get back to us. Maybe we can helpl,