Rough Starting--Need Help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 560
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From: Fair Oaks CA
Rough Starting--Need Help
My '89 has been having some troubles lately. My normal routine when I start the car is to let it run about 30 seconds before putting it into gear. For the past week, it has started fine, but when I put it into reverse to back out of the garage, the engine has been stumbling a little immediately after the going into reverse, then it runs fine. Same thing happens if I'm parked somewhere and simply put the car into drive (not needing reverse). This morning, it was hard to start.
My guess is that whatever is causing the stumble is getting worse and causing the hard starting.
Particulars: 1989 coupe, standard, autotransmission. Replaced fuel injectors and fuel pump about 2 years ago. Have about 20,000 miles on my spark plugs.
Thanks in advance.
My guess is that whatever is causing the stumble is getting worse and causing the hard starting.
Particulars: 1989 coupe, standard, autotransmission. Replaced fuel injectors and fuel pump about 2 years ago. Have about 20,000 miles on my spark plugs.
Thanks in advance.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
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From: ELLICOTT CITY MD
Re: Rough Starting--Need Help (White Lightning)
if it does it consistantly than next time try to cycle the key off and on a couple times to run the fuel pump before turning the engine over. there is a check ball in the pump that prevents the fuel from draining back down to the tank and this is common with delco pumps to go bad. even new ones. let me know how it goes i might have a few more ideas to try. :flag
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 822
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From: I could tell but then I would have to kill you
Re: Rough Starting--Need Help (85_togo)
Could be a bad filter, but I agree with DRAGRACER. It would be a good idea to change both at the same time anyway IMO.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 560
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From: Fair Oaks CA
Re: Rough Starting--Need Help (UB2 SLOW)
Thanks, DRAGRCR1005. I'll try that. I'm going to change the filter and gas cap too--cheap insurance.
Yesterday, after posting my question, I decided to check the battery cables. Negative side was tight. Positive side was a tad loose. Tightened it about 1/16th of a turn (probably less). Car seems to run fine now. Crossing my fingers (and my eyes :crazy: ) that the cable was the problem, though I'd be surprised that such a slight looseness would cause a problem.
Yesterday, after posting my question, I decided to check the battery cables. Negative side was tight. Positive side was a tad loose. Tightened it about 1/16th of a turn (probably less). Car seems to run fine now. Crossing my fingers (and my eyes :crazy: ) that the cable was the problem, though I'd be surprised that such a slight looseness would cause a problem.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 560
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From: Fair Oaks CA
Re: Rough Starting--Need Help (DRAGRCR1005)
Okay, I tried the trick with turning the key twice. That worked great for about a week, but now there's a new problem.
When I turn the key, nothing happens. Zip. No noise other than a click. No weak attempt to start, just a click. Turned the key 3 times before the engine finally started. I would think that a bad fuel pump would still have the engine trying to start.
Could I have a funky MAF sensor? Bad battery?
Any advice would me greatly appreciated.
When I turn the key, nothing happens. Zip. No noise other than a click. No weak attempt to start, just a click. Turned the key 3 times before the engine finally started. I would think that a bad fuel pump would still have the engine trying to start.
Could I have a funky MAF sensor? Bad battery?
Any advice would me greatly appreciated.