Won't start when hot
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg in
Won't start when hot
Hi all, looking for help in solving a new problem. The last two times I drove my 90' vert on short trips, it would not start back up until it sat for a while. It'll turn over, but not fire at all. After sitting for 1/2 hour or so, it'll start fine.
This morning, I drove my normal 55 mile commute to work and it started right back up once I reached work. So now, I'm puzzled. Also, my fuel gage started acting up. Registering a full tank one second, then dropping back to an accurate reading of less than half. Then, back up again.
I'm suspecting the fuel pump, and maybe the fuel sending unit, but not sure where to look first.
This morning, I drove my normal 55 mile commute to work and it started right back up once I reached work. So now, I'm puzzled. Also, my fuel gage started acting up. Registering a full tank one second, then dropping back to an accurate reading of less than half. Then, back up again.
I'm suspecting the fuel pump, and maybe the fuel sending unit, but not sure where to look first.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Next time it won't start, hold the gas pedal to the floor and see if it starts, that puts it into clear flood mode. If it does, it's time to hook up a fuel pressure guage. Sounds like you may have sticky or leaky injectors.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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I agree it sounds like leaking or otherwise failing injector(s) but you might also want to have your ICM (ignition control module) tested, too.
You can have AutoZone or NAPA check it for you.
You can have AutoZone or NAPA check it for you.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Check the injectors. Had similar problem when I put my 89 back on the road.
Ohm the injectors and see if there is a big difference in readings on them. I'd do a search on here for what the injectors should read and how to replace them.
Ohm the injectors and see if there is a big difference in readings on them. I'd do a search on here for what the injectors should read and how to replace them.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
Starter
I've found that on many GM cars, the starter will cause this problem when it is beginning to fail. The exhaust is beside it, & causes it to get hot. Over time, the heat takes its toll on the starter. That's why the car will start again after it cools off. Next time, get a small hammer, & tap the end of the starter while someone else turns the key. The tapping of the hammer causes the shaft to throw out, & engage the flywheel. If the car starts after a couple of taps, then you know that the shaft is sticking, & it's time to replace the starter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Coconut
I've found that on many GM cars, the starter will cause this problem when it is beginning to fail. The exhaust is beside it, & causes it to get hot. Over time, the heat takes its toll on the starter. That's why the car will start again after it cools off. Next time, get a small hammer, & tap the end of the starter while someone else turns the key. The tapping of the hammer causes the shaft to throw out, & engage the flywheel. If the car starts after a couple of taps, then you know that the shaft is sticking, & it's time to replace the starter.
Originally Posted by lakerat
It'll turn over, but not fire at all.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg in
won't start
Thanks, I'll check the injectors out tonight. I replaced them about 3 years ago with Bosh. Over lunch, my fuel gage was reading nearly full on the way to the gym. And it did start right up after my workout. My gage also fixed itself. Geez, I need to hit the gas station again!
I'm wondering if the faulty gas readings and starting problem are related.
I'm wondering if the faulty gas readings and starting problem are related.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 288
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Starter
Sometimes a starter is so weak after getting hot that although it turns over, it isn't strong enough to turn over to fire until it cools off. The point is, you can get a free check for your starter. It's worth stopping by on the way home before going through the trouble of troubleshooting injectors later that night. The injectors is probably your problem, but I've known too many times for the starter to be at fault when the injectors or spark were suspected. If the injectors are only 3 years old, something must be causing them to start leaking so soon after being replaced.
Last edited by Coconut; Aug 21, 2006 at 11:52 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
I am putting my bets on the fuel pump! If one injector goes out, wouldn't it still run? If so, Do you really think he lost several injectors all at once? I have never had any problems with injectors, so i really dont know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by purplewindworm
I am putting my bets on the fuel pump! If one injector goes out, wouldn't it still run? If so, Do you really think he lost several injectors all at once? I have never had any problems with injectors, so i really dont know.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1472232
Does the starter turn the engine everytime or not???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 120
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From: Leesburg in
Since it needed an oil change anyway, I took it to my mechanic. The fuel pump is fine. He did find that a code was thrown from the VATS. But, I don't think the starter will even engage if the VATS goes. I'll just have to keep an eye on it and try to run test the next time it fails.
BTW: The mechanic is having problems finding a new fuel sender. All the parts store around here want 600 bills for one. Time for me to do some shopping.
BTW: The mechanic is having problems finding a new fuel sender. All the parts store around here want 600 bills for one. Time for me to do some shopping.
Last edited by lakerat; Aug 23, 2006 at 01:52 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
Wires & Heat
Check the wires at the starter solenoid. It gets hot in such a crammed area, & the wires can begin get to get frail over time. The jogging of frail wires could cause a possible on & off starting situation.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by rick lambert
Next time it won't start, hold the gas pedal to the floor and see if it starts, that puts it into clear flood mode. If it does, it's time to hook up a fuel pressure guage. Sounds like you may have sticky or leaky injectors.
100% correct.There is no such thing as a cheap new fuel sender for these cars.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg in
According to the error code that was stored, (46) it appears the VATS system is the cause of my problem. Funny, the dealer replaced the whole thing just 3 years ago. Since the problem hasn't happened again, I'll keep an eye on it and try moving the tilt wheel if it happens again. If it does, I'm gonna have a remote start/alarm system installed and bypass VATS once-and-for-all. Thanks for everyone's help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
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From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I have the SAME issue on my 89.
I got a lot of the same suggestions a few months ago when I asked about this. I've not yet had the time or resources to try anything yet though
Leaky injector was also the primary comment of what might be wrong.
I got a lot of the same suggestions a few months ago when I asked about this. I've not yet had the time or resources to try anything yet though
Leaky injector was also the primary comment of what might be wrong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I got rid of the OEM alarm along time ago..POS in my mind. Went with a keyless entry etc. mines a AVITAL model 2200 with a ton of options, like remote start, windows etc. and a backup battery in case the starter battery went dead. Best thing I've done on the vette. Bought it at BestBuy and had them install it...they were very professional.
