84 accord will not idle when COLD

[dlhirsch]

I have a 1984 Accord with 128,xxx miles on it. It has had plugs, wires, cap and rotor recently. The problem is when it is COLD it will barely run. Acts like the automatic choke is not working properly (if it has one). Once it warms up or comes out of the garage warm it runs fine. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Tom_91_LX]

Possibility #1: '84 Accords had major cold start problems and there was a service bulletin issued in 1984 to install a "cold start driveability kit". I think it was some sort of insulator that went between the carburetor and intake manifold. Hard to say if those parts are still available, and anyway, I'd be very surprised if your car hasn't had it done already after 20 years.

Possibility #2: Yes, your car does have an automatic choke. I used to own an '84 and got very familiar with its cold weather behavior (lived in Iowa at the time, no garage, but it always started). The cold start procedure should be: push the accelerator to the floor once (2-3 times if it's very cold out), then turn the key with your foot off the gas. It should fire right up if it's not like 20 below or something -- when it was that cold, I usually had to hold the gas pedal down about halfway while cranking. You'll know if the automatic choke is working because those things had a screaming fast cold idle (like around 3000 RPM). Let it run like that until it seems to be running smoothly on all cylinders, then tap the gas and it should drop down one notch. The idle will not drop the rest of the way down until it's good and warmed up. If the car starts OK, but won't stay running without your foot on the gas, I'd suspect the choke.

Originally Posted by dlhirsch

I have a 1984 Accord with 128,xxx miles on it. It has had plugs, wires, cap and rotor recently. The problem is when it is COLD it will barely run. Acts like the automatic choke is not working properly (if it has one). Once it warms up or comes out of the garage warm it runs fine. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[dlhirsch]

Are there any adjustments on the auto choke that would be beneficial? It usually starts OK but after it runs for a short while is when it acts like it is getting flooded and seems to go down hill from there. The gas mileage is not very good either ( maybe 15-20 mpg ).

[Tom_91_LX]

You mention that it seems like it's getting flooded ... does the car have the original carburetor? If so it's probably in need of a rebuild or replacement. Over time the floats tend to deteriorate, fill up with gasoline, and literally not "float" any more. It doesn't really sound like a choke issue.

Originally Posted by dlhirsch

Are there any adjustments on the auto choke that would be beneficial? It usually starts OK but after it runs for a short while is when it acts like it is getting flooded and seems to go down hill from there. The gas mileage is not very good either ( maybe 15-20 mpg ).

[dlhirsch]

I don't mean to be a pest. If it was the carb, would it still run fine after it warms up? I would guess that it is the original carb. There has only been 2 owners. My in-laws and me. They bought it new and I bought it in about 92. Also how can I tell if the car has had the "cold start driveability kit" installed?

[Tom_91_LX]

As far as being able to tell if your car has had the kit installed, a dealer might be able to run the VIN and tell you if it had the service done. Other than that, I'm not sure if you can tell by looking if the kit was installed.

Those carbs were very tricky -- I had an '86 and in the final year or so that I owned it, the carb was shot and in need of replacement. It ran perfectly in cold weather, but stalled frequently when it was above 50 degrees outside and the car was fully warmed up. I think your best bet is to have it looked at by a tech who has worked on Honda carbs before. Finding such a tech might be a challenge. In the past, I had the best results by going to independent shops that specialize in Hondas. Although Honda hasn't used carbs in the US since '91, there are still lots of them on the road and someone has to keep them running...

Originally Posted by dlhirsch

I don't mean to be a pest. If it was the carb, would it still run fine after it warms up? I would guess that it is the original carb. There has only been 2 owners. My in-laws and me. They bought it new and I bought it in about 92. Also how can I tell if the car has had the "cold start driveability kit" installed?

[dlhirsch]

I will have the dealer check it out. Thanks for your assistance.