Sometimes my 88 L98 does'nt start right up. When this happens it idles real low and wants to stall. If I shut it off and restart it, it starts right up and idles properly. Any ideas on this.

Also, after it is up to operating temperature and I shut it off for more than 10 minutes or so, it starts hard and sometimes does the same as above.

Any help would be appreciated. TIA.

Bob

 

When in the no start if it is cranking you should determine if you are getting spark to the plugs, if so determine if the injectors are pulsing with a test light. Also a fuel pressure check would be in order if these 2 simple checks are ok. I just went through a similar problem on an 89 and the injectors were not pulsing when in the no start condition. After changing out a number of parts a new ecm cured the problem. :cheers:

 

Pull your codes. Clean and adjust your TPS and IAC. My buddy had the same problem on his 89 and it was the TPS flooding the car out. Good luck

 

From your description it sounds like the IAC, TB and vacuum system are OK.

If it has good power I suspect your cold-start injector and/or it's control circuit.

You can check it's resistance and have all injectors reconditioned by Rich at Cruzin Performance (link on my site).

 

Normally it starts instantly when cold, most of the hard starting is after the car is up to temperature and you shut it off for 15-20 minutes and then go to restart it. It only happens occasionally when cold, like this morning.
Car runs great, real smooth and has good power.??? Thanks for any additional info.

Bob

 

Hard start when warm is often due to leaking injector(s); so it could be any of them.

In this case, the idle issue may well be a dirty IAC pintel or it's bore under the TB. Cleaning it and the TB would be the cheapest/easiest first line of attack.

 

Hi,

Mine had the same problem. It was leaking injectiors. See the GM service bulletin below that describes this condition.

Joe

Date: DEC., 1988
Subject: LONG CRANK TIME

Model and Year: 1985-88 CAMARO, CORVETTE WITH 5.7L (VIN CODE 8) ENGINE
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

Some 1985 through 1988 Camaro, Corvette models equipped with 5.7L (VIN 8) engines may experience long cranks when attempting to start the vehicle after soaks longer than 30 minutes. There are several possible causes of this condition.These include but are not limited to: cold start injector not operating; fuel pump check valve, fuel pressure regulator or fuel injectors leaking down fuel pressure on shutdown.


Diagnosis

Diagnosis should begin by performing the "Cold Start Valve" test listed in section 6E3 (Chart A9) of the appropriate Service Manual to determine if the cold start injector is functioning properly. If not, the appropriate repairs should be made.

If the cold start injector system is found to be functioning normally, the following procedure should be used to determine whether a fuel pump check valve, fuel pressure regulator, or leaking injectors are the cause of the long cranks.

1. Install a fuel pressure gage on the fuel rail schraeder valve, (such as that supplied in the injector plugging test kit).

2. Pressurize the system by cycling the key on for a few seconds.
3. Turn the key off, and time the pressure reduction on the gage. (Initial pressure should be approximately 40 pounds per square inch (PSI), note the time it takes for a pressure drop of twenty PSI to occur. If the time exceeds twenty minutes, check valve, regulator, and fuel injectors are free of excessive leakage and the Service Manual should be be referred to for other causes of long cranks.)

4. If the system pressure is reduced by 20 PSI or more in 20 minutes or less, then one or more of the three components mentioned are suspect.

5. Turn the key on for a few seconds to repressurize the system and clamp the rubber portion of the supply line closed using a pair of vise grips and a shop towel (to protect the fuel line from damage by the vise grips.)

6. Turn the key off, and again note the time it takes for a reduction of twenty PSI. If the time is a lot longer than the time noted in step 3, then replacement of the fuel pump is indicated.
7. If the times are similar, then repeat steps 5 and 6, only this time clamp the return line instead of the supply line. Once again note the time it takes for a twenty PSI pressure drop. If the time is a lot longer than previously, a faulty pressure regulator is indicated. If the time remains shorter than twenty minutes, leaking injectors are suspected. To confirm that there are leaking injectors, raise the fuel rail slightly out of the inlet manifold without disconnecting any fuel lines and place a small napkin or piece of paper under each injector. Pressurize the system by cycling the key on for a few seconds then turn the key off and allow to sit for about 10 minutes. If a leaking injector is indicated by one or more drops of fuel on any of the napkins, all eight injectors should be replaced with service injector, P/N 10108481.

 

IAC and throttle body have both been cleaned. Looks like I might have an injector problem. Thanks to Joe for the service bulletin and Jim for the link, all others for their input. Guess I'll have to get the injectors serviced. Jim, how much is it to get the injectors serviced. Thanks again.

Bob

 

I sent mine to Rich in the spring (all nine of them) and he charged $10/injector; shipping was about $13 each way and shop time is 48hrs.

He'll e-mail you the flow numbers before & after reconditioning. Then you can determine if you want them matched for a slight additional fee. I had mine matched to 1% flow.

BTW, if you break any of the injector retainer clips, leave the others on the injectors and Rich will replace any missing ones.


[Modified by 65Z01, 5:41 PM 10/20/2002]