hot starting problems
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
hot starting problems
Hello my name is Dale, I bought and 88 Corvette not too long ago I like the car, she's very clean, when I go to her 1st thing in the morning, the starter barely turns over the motor fires right up, and purrs like a kitten very strong, but when I turn it off, it has to turn over like 3 to 6 seconds almost like its slightly flooded, when I let her sit there even for a few hours still the same thing, I was told that it may be a leaky fuel injector, but at best case when I put her away at night I would think the gas pressure would leak out and be hard to start 1st thing but it's just the opposite, so please if you have any ideas solutions for me I would so appreciate them, I have done some researching the best of my ability, some people say that it could be injectors some places that I search could be several other things I just don't know I'm proud to be a vette owner but that situation is very embarrassing I have already spent $300 on trying to find a solution, please help thanks
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
Thanks so much for your reply, okay I tried that and it still took a while for her to crank up , the motor was warm not hot, she has been sitting for about 4 hours, I just replaced that relay that is on the passenger side of the brake booster, I would almost bet you the car that if I go out there in the morning bomb starter she fires right up beautifully I'm totally lost
Last edited by andersondale8; May 5, 2012 at 08:46 PM. Reason: Forgot to proof read
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
Ok I was trying to force the fuel pump to run for six seconds (3 tries x 2 seconds each) to make sure the rail was full faster than an injector leak would drain (not sure but pretty sure)
What holds pressure in the rail at shut down is the check valve in the fuel pump at one end and the fuel pressure regulator at the other end. We (meaning you :P ) can eliminate the fuel pressure regulator by pinching off the return line where it is soft at the gas tank. Remove the fuel door (four screws) take the gas cap off and remove the drain pan it is rubber and slides right off. Return is the one closest to the rear of the car when mounted. So put some duct tape over the jaws of a pair of vise-grips and pinch off the return line. Start it shut it off and restart it see if it improves. Don't run it long with the return pinched off.
Edit sorry I had confused this with another thread.
What holds pressure in the rail at shut down is the check valve in the fuel pump at one end and the fuel pressure regulator at the other end. We (meaning you :P ) can eliminate the fuel pressure regulator by pinching off the return line where it is soft at the gas tank. Remove the fuel door (four screws) take the gas cap off and remove the drain pan it is rubber and slides right off. Return is the one closest to the rear of the car when mounted. So put some duct tape over the jaws of a pair of vise-grips and pinch off the return line. Start it shut it off and restart it see if it improves. Don't run it long with the return pinched off.
Edit sorry I had confused this with another thread.
Last edited by 94z07fx3; May 5, 2012 at 09:00 PM.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
Okay I will not be able to do that right now my kids just got home I got to get them ready for bed ,what are we trying to do? determine if the pressure regulator is bad, is that the little thing under the fuel rail, thanks for your help I can't wait to try, 0 By the Way when I cranked her up a few minutes ago it was very rich strong gas fumes but very strong smooth idle
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls Ontario
Have the same thing happening on my 88, changed fuel pump, fuel filter, air filter, fuel relay and had injectors tested and still happening, good luck with yours and if I get mine fixed will let you know what was done. Have been told it could be mass air flow sensor or relays have not checked them yet but will probably do so just to rule them out.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
When you turn the key to the start position do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple seconds before you actually try starting it?
One other thing, next time you run into the problem, try holding the gas pedal down first while starting, this puts the ecm into "floodmode" and compensates for a flooded condition.
One other thing, next time you run into the problem, try holding the gas pedal down first while starting, this puts the ecm into "floodmode" and compensates for a flooded condition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Check all your connections and cables. This could also be a starter going out or a timing problem. Check your timing that is free if you have a timing light. The starter is another story. You might have some luck taking it out when its acting up and having it tested.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
went out 1st thing this morning bumped the starter fired right up sounding strong went for a ride shutter down now it's hard start again I tried holding the accelerator to the floor it seemed to start better I do not have a fuel pressure regulator to test my car do you think this could be a pressure regulator problem my exhaust pipes are black smutty smells like gas
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
now I really feel like a da I do not know what TB or I a C.is yes I am still having hot cranking issues but now that I know to hold the accelerator to the floor its a whole lot less work on my starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
TB= Throttle Body
IAC= Idle Air Control
Did you ck to make sure your FPR diaphragm is not leaking gas into the vac line as stated before?
No offense but it really sounds like you don't have mechanical skills and this might be something you need to take to your mechanic.
IAC= Idle Air Control
Did you ck to make sure your FPR diaphragm is not leaking gas into the vac line as stated before?
No offense but it really sounds like you don't have mechanical skills and this might be something you need to take to your mechanic.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Caledonia New York
Yes sir I did check there is no gas in the pressure regulator vacuum line and that is true I am not a mechanic but I am mechanically inclined I have done lot .now that you have identified to me those initials I know exactly what they are this car is tuned port and by the way you are not wasting your time with me I totally appreciate the help you guys give me I try everything i'm so close now. thanks
