89 Intermittent starting problem

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Jun 5, 2008 | 11:45 PM

rossk35

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Mar 2008

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89 Intermittent starting problem

I've got an 89 vette that developed a starting problem about a month ago. Prior to this the car had been sitting for a year and a half. Anyway got the car up and running used it for a month and one morning it would just crank and not start. Has fuel pressure at the rails. I try to start it and will just crank, but on the 3rd or 4th try it will start right up. One thing though the Security light no longer flashes when the doors are open. Also if I try to set off the alarm it doesn't go off. Could this all be related to the VAT system starting to go out?

Thanks!!!

Jun 6, 2008 | 12:46 AM

DINO84

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 829

Likes: 39

From: sun prairie wi

Do you have other keys to start it? I've heard the pellet can wear out.

Jun 6, 2008 | 01:32 AM

Matatk

Drifting

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,440

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From: SW Chicago Burbs IL

If it was VATS it wouldn't crank at all. Sounds like the injectors might have varnished over/gone bad from sitting. Could also be the FP regulator, but I'd guess injectors.

Matthew

Jun 6, 2008 | 03:38 AM

rossk35

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Matatk

If it was VATS it wouldn't crank at all. Sounds like the injectors might have varnished over/gone bad from sitting. Could also be the FP regulator, but I'd guess injectors.

Matthew

I had the fuel pressure gauge hooked up when it wouldn't start and it was at 45psi, so its ok. The car runs fine its just that it sometimes does this no start thing. Not sure if it matters, but it no longer has the stock motor in it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DINO84

Do you have other keys to start it? I've heard the pellet can wear out.

Yes I do.

But my other question is what would make the security light not flash anymore?

Jun 6, 2008 | 07:51 AM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,315

Likes: 245

From: Summerland B.C. Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossk35

But my other question is what would make the security light not flash anymore?

Dead bulb ?? Fuse ??
Forced entry is separate from VATS. Look in here for info on forced entry. http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf
Do you hear the pump prime for 2 seconds when ignition is turned on ??
If the fuel pump relay is dead/intermittent, the pump will have to rely on the oil pressure switch for power. This could take some cranking to get the pressure up to close the oil pressure switch.

Jun 6, 2008 | 11:14 AM

DINO84

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 829

Likes: 39

From: sun prairie wi

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR VATS INFO
http://www.vatssucks.com/

Jun 6, 2008 | 11:18 AM

89er

Racer

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 292

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rossk35

I had a problem with my '89 after sitting for awhile outside where the rubber tube next to the gas tank filler became clogged. Then when it rained, water went into the gas tank.

Jun 6, 2008 | 12:44 PM

jfb

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 54,124

Likes: 30

From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Pull stored codes from your computer, that will tell you a lot. When it won't start, that is when you should do some diagnostics. Engines require spark and spark at the right time, fuel, air, and in the correct ratio in order to start and run. Check spark and timing with your timing light during cranking. You have already measured fuel pressure, but you should turn off the ignition and see how long fuel pressure holds up. If it drops rapidly, then you likely have leaking injector/s causing a too rich mixture to start. Also, unplug an injector and connect a noid light (available at parts stores) or a low power 12 v lamp like a 194 side marker lamp across the injector plug, it should pulse during cranking.