intermittant hard start
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
intermittant hard start
Looking for some help. I have a 88 C4 TPI L98. It wants to crank a long time on occasion before it starts and runs rough for a few minutes. Once its running it runs great. Does it when cold and also when hot. But seems to act up most when parked on a incline. I had it at the dealer and they could not get it to do it. Any help or sugestions would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
Looking for some help. I have a 88 C4 TPI L98. It wants to crank a long time on occasion before it starts and runs rough for a few minutes. Once its running it runs great. Does it when cold and also when hot. But seems to act up most when parked on a incline. I had it at the dealer and they could not get it to do it. Any help or sugestions would be appreciated.
A great place to start is by check your fuel pressure at the fuel rail with the engine running...then turn the engine "off" and see how long it takes for the fuel pressure to drop. I'd tell you to do a search for "fuel pressure test"....but I understand the forum "search" function has been experiencing technical difficulties over the last few days.
Welcome to the forum!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks will check fuel rail pressure. Also forgot to mention it displays low coolant temp on drivers display when I start it up. Even on a hot day. Would coolant temp sensor cause the starting problem? Or is that normal until engine reaches normal temp? Thnaks again for your input.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,293
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
The coolant temp sender is in the passenger side head. Check to see if the connector is clean and tight, or even hooked up. 
Here is some info to help diagnose you hard starts. Read it and I'll quiz you tomorrow.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/6E3-B%20Symptoms.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...rt%20Valve.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...0View%2086.pdf
Here is some info to help diagnose you hard starts. Read it and I'll quiz you tomorrow.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/6E3-B%20Symptoms.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...rt%20Valve.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...0View%2086.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Thanks will check fuel rail pressure. Also forgot to mention it displays low coolant temp on drivers display when I start it up. Even on a hot day. Would coolant temp sensor cause the starting problem? Or is that normal until engine reaches normal temp? Thnaks again for your input.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Wayne NJ
Looking for some help. I have a 88 C4 TPI L98. It wants to crank a long time on occasion before it starts and runs rough for a few minutes. Once its running it runs great. Does it when cold and also when hot. But seems to act up most when parked on a incline. I had it at the dealer and they could not get it to do it. Any help or sugestions would be appreciated.
),ran much better but same starting issue,then I replaced both MAF burn off relays and my ECM, She has never run better and always starts no matter what.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I had hard starting problem with my 88 and after researching the forums, I replaced both MAF relays ($30) and cleaned the throttle body plates with TB spray ($6). Also inspected all wiring for any loose or sloppy connections and problem went away. Possible you have a leaking injector or two if they are original and have not been touched in 20 years. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Great forum. Thanks for all the helpful info. I can not get out into the garage till next week to do some troubleshooting. But I will post back with what I find. Thanks again for everyones help and input.
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Think I may have solved problem. At least it seems like it so far. I checked fuel pressure. And all checked out good. I also tested all my injectors and they tested good. I bought a can of MAF cleaner and cleaned MAF sensor. Seemed good for about a week and problem came back. I then changes MAF relay and has been good so far. So am crossing my fingers. That I solved problem. Even though injectors tested good. I am planning on buying a set from FIC. Since car has 115k on the odometer. I also changed all the burnt out bulbs in my dash cluster. After reading a how to post in the forum. All I can say this is a great forum with a wealth of info. Thanks again for everyones help!
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 16
From: Concord CA
I have some of the hard starting problems on my 88 also... if it comes back, try the flooded mode start (hold the pedal to the floor and try starting it..) that usually works for me.. but most likely will order a set of injectors from FIC by months end..
Last edited by bczee; Jan 18, 2009 at 01:04 AM.