Honda Repair: 97 CRV trouble starting when warm, honda crv, coolant temperature

Question
Subject is a 1997 Honda CRV with high mileage but generally runs good... recently been hard to start on occasion, always when engine is warm, never a problem on cold starts. Maybe related - it has indicated MIL code P0118 (eng temp sender) several times and I've reset it. The duration between resets is variable, from a few minutes to about 10 days. I've read where this can cause a no-start condition but it was never mentioned whether that would ONLY be when the engine is warm? Usually when it doesn't start right away I could just keep cranking and give it a little gas and it would catch in about 5-10 seconds. It would then run rough and with high idle, at about 1800 RPM for a short time, and I could smell gas, like maybe it was flooding, then it would be okay. It used to have large coolant temperature swings where the gauge would occasionally go near the top and then come back to normal range, but changing the thermostat has completely stabilized that problem. Curiously, this hard starting condition began shortly after that, and the MIL codes began at approximately the same time as the hard starting. I've checked and reseated electrical connections to the temp sensor. Should I be changing out that temp sensor next? Or does it sound like maybe a fuel delivery problem?

Answer
Fred, great description by the way. Replace the sensor immediately. (Quit stepping on your gas pedal too, when trying to force start the car. LOL Sorry but this is not 76 Chevy Nova. In fact you are damaging your motor in ways you cannot see. Especially within the Fuel Injection areas. This is costing you money by taking away the longevity of the internals. No worries just a suggestion. :D) The reason the sensor is failing when your vehicle is warm; the sensor tells your ECU that the engine is cold and is trying to advance the choke stage. The sensor is causing the problems. Replace it ASAP. And while your at it you replaced your thermostat, now this sensor, I would suggest other coolant/engine temp sensors as well. Could prevent future problems? Hope this helps you...