I am looking to buy a 1991 GS with 200,000 miles on it for 1,000. The car is in great condition in and out but it doesnt like to start. to start off, the alternator was just changed because of a problem with starting it. the radiator is new. one of her friends she said messed with "the thing that sets your idle" which I imagine would be the throttle cord.
When you insert the key and depress the clutch, the engine will turn over and there is power to the car but unless the key is held all the way to the ON position and not released, the engine wont stay cranked. It seemed to react a little bit to giving it gas but the only way it would actually crank is with the key held all the way. When it did, the idle was a little testy too. I'm trying to find any advice if anyone has had this happen before. I know somewhat about cars but I'm looking for some help. Any ideas or questions, you are free to email me. Thanks for any help

Zach

I'm not so sure what to say about the ignition. But I am purchasing a 91 integra for 1k also. And I'm just asking but do you live in a cold region of the united states. Because on certain models of the 91 acura integra, there is a Fast Idle Thermo (FIT) valve which allows extra air into the intake manifold when the engine is cold, causing the idle speed to increase. on the vehicle i am looking to purchase, the FIT valve is set to california altitude and temperature. I'm in south dakota though where the altitude is a little higher and its a little colder. so the idle likes to fluctuate, but its completely normal. i hope thats helped you some