Only starts on second try

[belac515]

I have a 93 accord F22a1 with 226k. I just finished replacing the clutch and flywheel yesterday with OEM parts (not sure if relevant).
It started fine all day yesterday after finishing the job. Then this morning is started fine, but when I got off work it wouldn't start.
It just continually turns over, but if you try again it will crank right up the first try.

I didn't think much of it the first time it happened, but I had some running around to do after work and every time I try to start the car the first time it will just turn over and not start.
If I try it again it will start right up without any hesitation the second time.

I'm really at a loss. I have no clue why it will start right up without any hesitation the second time and not the first.
Also no CEL's or anything like that, and once running it runs fine. It's just starting it that is worrying me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[dysfunk]

Check your starter.. sounds like your starter is dragging.

[BurtonRiderT6]

If the it was the starter wouldn't it not turn at all? Just click or do nothing.

I think it could be the fuel system, perhaps the fuel pump isn't priming the system when you turn the ignition on. It could be on it's way out. Have you ever replaced it?

[belac515]

I haven't replaced the fuel pump. I just got the car two weeks ago and all I have done is clutch and flywheel, new alternator, and an oil change so far.

It never did this until yesterday, so I don't know why it would just start doing it all of a sudden.

I don't think it's the starter because the engine turns over the first time, it just doesn't start.
Also I think it's odd how consistent it is that it always starts the second try.

Could it be a relay or bad connection to something that's not causing it to start?
I'm just wondering if when I did the clutch if I didn't plug something in that would make my car do this.

[93redcb7]

I haven't replaced the fuel pump. I just got the car two weeks ago and all I have done is clutch and flywheel, new alternator, and an oil change so far.

It never did this until yesterday, so I don't know why it would just start doing it all of a sudden.

I don't think it's the starter because the engine turns over the first time, it just doesn't start.
Also I think it's odd how consistent it is that it always starts the second try.

Could it be a relay or bad connection to something that's not causing it to start?
I'm just wondering if when I did the clutch if I didn't plug something in that would make my car do this.

i would look at the main relay.

[djcaz_aom]

You need a tune up. Check your cap, rotor, spark plugs and the fuel filter.

[Leung]

Is it hot down there this time of year? I was going to say if it was cool out yesterday and this morning but then it got blazing hot this after noon after work, maybe it's your fuel main relay?

[danf20bcb7]

check to see if someone had advanced the distributor before you.

[dwsaccord]

Had this happen on all my Cb's its main relay not turning your fuel pump on

[belac515]

I'll be doing a full tuneup soon. I just haven't had time yet.
Also it started first time every time today. I started it maybe 5 times and it was fine.

Leung: YES, it easily gets into the upper 90's during the day and in the 70's at night and in the morning. Just curious how would this effect the fuel pump or anything else.

Dan: we checked the timing and it was set right.

dwsaccord: Is there a way to check the relay to make sure that's the problem?

Maybe it was just a bad day for the car? I don't know what to think now. Regardless, I'll still be doing a full tuneup and hopefully it doesn't happen anymore.

[dysfunk]

If the it was the starter wouldn't it not turn at all? Just click or do nothing.

I think it could be the fuel system, perhaps the fuel pump isn't priming the system when you turn the ignition on. It could be on it's way out. Have you ever replaced it?

My starter drags and only cranks on the second turning of the key.

[dwsaccord]

Mine always got worse in hot conditions and would happen more and more as time progressed. They either work or don't and are intermittent so its hard to check them. Mine has gotten so bad once that if I didn't leave the car off for at least 20 minutes it woulnt restart making it impossible for quick trips anywhere unless I was willing to leave it running.

[kaeo2790]

check the ignition switch or check your relays

[belac515]

I'll see what happens tomorrow and the rest of the week.

It didn't do it at all today so hopefully it stopped. If it starts doing it again I'll look into replacing the relays and if it still does it then I guess I'll get a new starter.

Thank you guys so much for the help

[ghowell6]

A failed ignition switch would start manifesting itself with a no-start unless you hold the key past the ON (II) position. I had mine go out last week. At first it wouldn’t show any dash lights at all in the II position, but turn to III and the engine would crank and it would light up and subsequently start. The next morning, it would crank and crank but never stay running. Darn car died while I was off-campus with a friend, rolled right to a stop when it shut off, haha.
A main relay would cause the fuel pump to not prime. It’s easier to hear if you open your driver’s door. It runs for about 2 seconds, then shuts off. You’ll hear a ‘click’ when it stops. Temp definitely affects the relay. When I needed to replace mine, My car would start in the morning and throughout the day, but if I turned it off and tried to restart in ~5 mins, it would refuse.
Let us know what you find, or if anything else happens!