Honda Repair: 2002 odyssey intermittent hard starting, exhaust gas recirculation valve, exhaust gas recirculation

Question
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey that runs well but periodically idles rough.  It usually starts right up but once in a while (daily) when starting, the engine cranks very fast but won't start. Continued cranking doesn't help - but releasing the key and pressing the accelerator usually starts it (for now).  The dealership checked the computer, all sensors are reading normal (at that time, the engine started OK). Timing belt and tensionizer is changed. Problem happened again this morning, followed by two normal starts (no problem).  Any clues?

Answer
Have you had the engine serviced? Intermittent problems are hard to duplicate the same way a customer duplicates the problem. Have the dealer check the EGR valve. This is the exhaust gas recirculation valve & they are common to stick open & cause a hard starting at times. The EGR tunnel ports are also common to stop up with carbon deposits. If the dealer can't get it to act up, they might have to have the vehicle for an extended period of time in order to duplicate this problem. Get back with more info.