Injector problem?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Injector problem?
I just finished changing the plugs & wires on my `87 ( I also broke a round switch with 2 black wires in half on the bottom a/c line :bb ) anyway, every plug was soaked with gas. even in the threads. That explains the little cloud that comes out the pipes every morning on startup. The question is, are the injectors shot,or is this condition fixable. The car seems to run fine once it starts. Thanks
Ken :flag
Ken :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Injector problem? (kenv)
Worn injectors can stick open periodicaly and cause a flooded condition on that cylinder but happening on all 8 would be odd to say the least and this would certainly cause a bad run or no run condition. Your fuel pressure could be too high. But almost anything to do with it will throw some codes like a 45 for rich exhaust ect... Also, were your plugs in snug?? Loose plugs can have some blow by and look a bit wet on threads. Also, you probably need to put a pressure gauge on it to see if fuel pressure holds when car is off for a while. Worn injectors can weep fuel pressure down onto plugs and cylinders while car sits up..which would cause the puff of smoke at starts.
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[Modified by skateparkdave, 3:09 PM 7/6/2004]
[
[Modified by skateparkdave, 3:09 PM 7/6/2004]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Re: Injector problem? (skateparkdave)
Yes the plugs were in pretty tight ( Bosch plats ). Its in the shop where I bought it, (chevy dealer in Bristol Pa). The mechanic just called & said that they think its a coolant sensor causing this condition 
Thats a new one on me.
Ken :flag
Thats a new one on me.Ken :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Injector problem? (kenv)
Well you dont want your plugs torqued in real tight with aluminum heads but good and snug with a dab of anti seizure lube for sure. I'm not sure what to make of your dealers analisis?? Thats a new one on me considering the symptoms. Hmmmm..we'll see 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,293
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Injector problem? (kenv)
Yes the plugs were in pretty tight ( Bosch plats ). Its in the shop where I bought it, (chevy dealer in Bristol Pa). The mechanic just called & said that they think its a coolant sensor causing this condition Thats a new one on me.
Ken :flag
Thats a new one on me.Ken :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Injector problem? (AGENT 86)
Yeah, I guess you've got a point..I was just thinking one track minded..about coolant sensor telling ecm to activate fans only..duh me..but I'm still a bit pessimistic about it "running fine once it gets running" and "cloud of smoke at start" ..still makes me wonder if its holding fuel pressure while not running.
I'm just trying to learn something myself and hopefully I can help others along the way so dont take this as me being a smart alec..it's a true question..I'm just wondering, wouldn't it continue to run rich and run poorly after warm up if sensor is telling ecm the motor is cold after it warms up?? He said it's a puff of smoke at start then runs good..thats why I didn't think coolant sensor..again, I'm just trying to learn something.
[Modified by skateparkdave, 9:57 PM 7/6/2004]
I'm just trying to learn something myself and hopefully I can help others along the way so dont take this as me being a smart alec..it's a true question..I'm just wondering, wouldn't it continue to run rich and run poorly after warm up if sensor is telling ecm the motor is cold after it warms up?? He said it's a puff of smoke at start then runs good..thats why I didn't think coolant sensor..again, I'm just trying to learn something.
[Modified by skateparkdave, 9:57 PM 7/6/2004]
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Re: Injector problem? (skateparkdave)
I just took my car back from the dealer ( I mean took). I woulden`t let these guys work on a skateboard. :mad . I explained the symptoms to the manager ( all the plugs are wet on the threads with gasoline, etc.) He tells me to leave it for the night, & calls me today & says "yeah you got a little puff out the pipes on startup, you need valve seals". I say wouldent that be a blue puff of smoke if it were valve seals, & not smell like raw gas?. He says ummm. I said no valve seals. Also the car would not start all the time because the vats system would not recognize the key chip. The service manager says Yeah your alternator & battery were bad. I have a 50/50 warranty with the dealer. My "half" of the warranty work came to $285.29 for an interstate battery & a rebuilt alternator installed. some deal huh? 
Ken
Ken
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Injector problem? (kenv)
I still think you should check or have someone check fuel pressure and see if it holds pretty good after turning car off for several hours..like over night..if not your injectors are leaking and flooding plugs while car sits off..hence the "cloud of smoke at start". I dunno, could be something else..but thats a place to start. Good luck,
Dave
Dave