See if it holds fuel pressure when you shut if off.
Starting Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Starting Questions
Hey guys, I've owned my '88 for almost 20 yrs now and have always had this starting issue. When it sits for a week or two, it starts immediately as I turn the key and I don't have to give it any gas. On the days I drive it, I have to give it 1/4 - 1/2 gas to start it, even if it sits all day so it's not like its only hard to start when hot. It will eventually start after cranking for 8-10 sec's without giving it gas, but it never starts right us like it does after sitting for a long period of time.
Any idea what causes this/can it be fixed?
Any idea what causes this/can it be fixed?
Last edited by Triple Black 88; Mar 29, 2016 at 12:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,415
Likes: 2,745
Your '88 has "cold-start" it's in the left side fuel rail. You mention always and also seem to mention "since owned". 20 years -OK How many miles?
Do you have the FSM?
You do need to do some very basic checks as have been mentioned "fuel pressure" etc BUT I believe you need to do all of your diagnostics methodically. I'd suggest rushing into NOTHING.
Are you familiar with the requirements to check fuel pressure?
FSM if you have has a very good basic diagnostic tree for all crank/start functions.
Do you have the FSM?
You do need to do some very basic checks as have been mentioned "fuel pressure" etc BUT I believe you need to do all of your diagnostics methodically. I'd suggest rushing into NOTHING.
Are you familiar with the requirements to check fuel pressure?
FSM if you have has a very good basic diagnostic tree for all crank/start functions.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
I bought it in 1996 with 70,000 mi. It now has 130,000, so I've put about 3000mi/yr on it and haven't had any problems. It runs, drives, idles great! Just seems weird to me that it would start immediately after sitting a week or more, but when I drive it a few days in a row, I have to pump the gas to get it started each time. It doesn't bother me and it has been like this since I bought it. I was just curious what caused it and if it was something easy or a quick fix, I'd take a shot at it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Things to try. Try replacing MAF relays (2) there is a TSB. If you are running 91+ octane try switching to 89 or 87. I know manual says 91 back in the mid to late 80's the fuel was terrible as related to PFI. The only high detergent gas was premium or 91. At 9.5 to 1 compression it should run on regular. Carbon build up from low rpm operation. You could drive it where engine is at 1800-2500 rpm to clear the carbon.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,415
Likes: 2,745
Things to try. Try replacing MAF relays (2) there is a TSB. If you are running 91+ octane try switching to 89 or 87. I know manual says 91 back in the mid to late 80's the fuel was terrible as related to PFI. The only high detergent gas was premium or 91. At 9.5 to 1 compression it should run on regular. Carbon build up from low rpm operation. You could drive it where engine is at 1800-2500 rpm to clear the carbon.
Here's the TSB:
if your relays are presently GM 14103304 OR an unidentifiable after-market you can assume the TSB applies. If the later GM # 14089936. The TSB will give you a reference to the correct location in the 8A section of the FSM for location.
OP - I should have it and can post it if you need.
*************** It's important to note that there's a different TSB for '87 and earlier !!!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 30, 2016 at 02:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Thanks guys, great info. I checked and all relays and they're 14089936, so I'm good there.
My commute is about 45 min... all highway and with a 373 rear, I cruise 75 at about 3200 RPM's so I doubt carbon is the issue.
My commute is about 45 min... all highway and with a 373 rear, I cruise 75 at about 3200 RPM's so I doubt carbon is the issue.