Honda: Honda Prelude 1985 Model, Honda, Prelude

Question
My 1985 Prelude will not idle when the engine is cold but after "pumping the gas"pedal for approx 4 minutes to keep the engine running it will level off on its own and idle perfectly.
What do you think the problem may be?

Answer
This sounds like your are describing a "lean" condition. The base plate insulators that the side draft carburetors are mounted to are made of rubber and metal. The rubber ages and causes a vacuum leak and cold start performance problems. If the base plates are good the car may have an electric choke that is not working correctly. These cars also utilize thermo-wax valves that apply different vacuum as the engine coolant warms up.