'88 Won't Start Properly!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Weston Fl
'88 Won't Start Properly!
My '88 has been having some problems starting. I have to give it gas to get it to start up. But after it's been on for a minute, I can turn it off, wait a few mins, then turn it right back on with no problems. I figured this was a problem with my fuel injection system, so this afternoon, I had the fuel injection system cleaned (injectors, throttle body, carb) and also had an oil change. I'm still not able to start it up without giving it some gas! Although, it runs a bit smoother, now 
Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to test different things (fuel pump/oil pump, maybe) to see if there is anything seriously wrong with it?
Thanx in advance!
~Derek
Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to test different things (fuel pump/oil pump, maybe) to see if there is anything seriously wrong with it?
Thanx in advance!
~Derek
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,320
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
A leaking injector can cause those symptoms. Depressing the gas pedal past a certain amount will put the ecm into flood mode and deliver less fuel during cranking to combat the flooded situation. If your depressing the gas pedal to combat a low stumbling idle it could be a bad base(min) idle adjustment or IAC.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,320
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Here is some info from my 86 manual
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/IAC%20Diagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/IAC%20Diagnosis.pdf
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: The Motor City
My first guess would also be leaking injectors. But I have to ask - does your mass air flow (MAF) sensor have the screens removed? If so, I have heard that can cause a hard-starting condition too.
Will the car start at all if you don't press the gas pedal when you crank it over?
Will the car start at all if you don't press the gas pedal when you crank it over?
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by Fork501
The MAF sensor still has the screen on it. That was one of the first things I checked when I bought it. I also get smoke from my right tail pipe when I get the car to first start.
What color is the smoke and how much is there? It shouldn't make a difference which side the smoke comes from, unless you have a true dual exhaust setup, but the color and quantity is important. It could be a tell-tale sign of a much larger problem.
Last edited by TheCorvetteKid; Aug 1, 2005 at 11:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Weston Fl
Originally Posted by TheCorvetteKid
That's good, it probably rules out the MAF as the cause.
What color is the smoke and how much is there? It shouldn't make a difference which side the smoke comes from, unless you have a true dual exhaust setup, but the color and quantity is important. It could be a tell-tale sign of a much larger problem.
What color is the smoke and how much is there? It shouldn't make a difference which side the smoke comes from, unless you have a true dual exhaust setup, but the color and quantity is important. It could be a tell-tale sign of a much larger problem.
It's not too light or too dark.. like.. medium-light gray. If that makes sense? It doesn't come out in a thick cloud. It only lasts for about 5 seconds. If even that long. I think it's just an old gasket.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 3
From: Evansville IN
When you first turn the key to the on position (don't start car) can you hear the fuel pump run? If not, the fuel relay (located on the drivers side nest to windshield wiper motor) is bad. The car will start with a bad relay, but it takes longer. It has to develop 4 LBS oil pressure, then the computer will let car start, thus the long crank time. GOod luck Rich
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Weston Fl
Originally Posted by richdwyer
When you first turn the key to the on position (don't start car) can you hear the fuel pump run? If not, the fuel relay (located on the drivers side nest to windshield wiper motor) is bad. The car will start with a bad relay, but it takes longer. It has to develop 4 LBS oil pressure, then the computer will let car start, thus the long crank time. GOod luck Rich
I just tried it, and I didn't hear my pump start. SOMETIMES, I hear a pump going, but I think it's my ABS Brakes pump. I'll replace the fuel pump relay and let you know what happens! Thanks for your help =)
~Derek
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Weston Fl
Originally Posted by richdwyer
When you first turn the key to the on position (don't start car) can you hear the fuel pump run? If not, the fuel relay (located on the drivers side nest to windshield wiper motor) is bad. The car will start with a bad relay, but it takes longer. It has to develop 4 LBS oil pressure, then the computer will let car start, thus the long crank time. GOod luck Rich
Nope.. I replaced the Fuel Pump Relay, and I STILL don't hear it starting when I put my car to the accessory position (not turned on). My oil pressure stays at about 2 or 3 PSI, and if I keep pressing the gas pedal, eventually, it gets to 4 PSI (Or I could just wait longer w/o pressing the pedal).
~Derek
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 27
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Originally Posted by Fork501
The MAF sensor still has the screen on it. That was one of the first things I checked when I bought it. I also get smoke from my right tail pipe when I get the car to first start.