Update on hard starting problem.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Wayne NJ
Update on hard starting problem.
Ok so this is the story,at the start of the summer Iv been having an occasional staring problem. Sometimes she will start right up,other times she will start then just shut down,2-3 4-times. Then she will start up and run with and eratic idle. Very odd because sometimes she will run just perfect.First I did a complete tune up,no change. Then I replaced the fuel pump and filter,still no change. Then I relaced the ignition module in the distributer,again no change. Most of the parts I replaced because they were 20 yrs old. Then I called Jon at FIC and changed the injectors,while the plenum was off, I replaced the thermostat with a 160 and a Hyperchip.She has run MUCH better after the injector replacment,but I still have the starting problem,but not all the time,thats what is pissing me off. I replace the IAC last year and my mechanic says he set the TPS to spec. What am I missing ?? Its really frustrating taking my Vette out and not knowing if she will start or not ?? Please help 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 149
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Same year, same thing
Mine just started doing this, almost left me stranded. Now it has a perpetual miss, no SES light, no codes. Maybe one of us will find the fix, I won't drive this thing anywhere I have to shut it off. I know the vette shop I go to will find it, but it will be a minimum of $500. It's probably something simple. These cars have so many sensors, relays and electronic devices,it's tough sometimes to repair and they strike with no warning.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,762
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From: Cumming Ga
Mine just started doing this, almost left me stranded. Now it has a perpetual miss, no SES light, no codes. Maybe one of us will find the fix, I won't drive this thing anywhere I have to shut it off. I know the vette shop I go to will find it, but it will be a minimum of $500. It's probably something simple. These cars have so many sensors, relays and electronic devices,it's tough sometimes to repair and they strike with no warning.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Wayne NJ
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Cumming Ga
jim you might want to start checking all connections. Make sure the is no corrosion on any of the plugs going into the ecu. Also make sure all grounds are good. start at the beginning double check all sensors, including IAC. Maf burn off relay and full operation of the MAF. I would even double check fuel pressure etc.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Wayne NJ
jim you might want to start checking all connections. Make sure the is no corrosion on any of the plugs going into the ecu. Also make sure all grounds are good. start at the beginning double check all sensors, including IAC. Maf burn off relay and full operation of the MAF. I would even double check fuel pressure etc.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 14
From: Cumming Ga
jim you replaced everything already. If you are really stumped, you might have to. afterall, you can't enjoy a car that does not work. I know after taking to you that you just want to drive it. so at this point it might be worth the cost for the diagnoses.
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From: Wayne NJ
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2006
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There were times when it would start right away, but then there were times when it would take a few cranks and then I would have to put the gas pedal to the floor and then it would start. Went to Canada for a couple days and when I got back there was approx. 3 gallons of gas on the floor, the fuel regualor was letting fuel into the plenum and then leaking thru down the throat of the air cleaner and out the front end of the engine, I was lucky it didn't happen when I was in Florida for a month.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Wayne NJ
There were times when it would start right away, but then there were times when it would take a few cranks and then I would have to put the gas pedal to the floor and then it would start. Went to Canada for a couple days and when I got back there was approx. 3 gallons of gas on the floor, the fuel regualor was letting fuel into the plenum and then leaking thru down the throat of the air cleaner and out the front end of the engine, I was lucky it didn't happen when I was in Florida for a month.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The first thing you should do is check for stored error codes after you experience a hard start. On the next hard start, measure the fuel pressure at the shrader valve on the end of the right fuel rail. It should be between 36 and 42 psi and after the fuel pump shuts off, the pressure should hold up. Recently my 87 required 4-5 cranks to start and fuel pressure would drop instantly when the fuel pump turned off. I made an appointment with my mechanic, but before he was available, I lost my cool on someone waiting for another shade of green at a light and went around them at WOT. My 87 starts on the first crank now, so something benefited by high fuel flow. Also, next hard start, see if you have at least 1/2 inch snappy spark from a plug wire to ground when someone cranks the engine a few revs.