Problems starting - Page 2

ta12sec · #11 (**permalink**) 04-08-2006, 07:06 PM

does your temperature guage work?

White Phoenix · #12 (**permalink**) 04-08-2006, 07:54 PM

doesnt sound like opti to me. when an opti goes bad it will start up without much of a problem... then it will stumble all over. To me it sounds like fuel delivery. Go get a fuel pressure guage. Hook it up and have someone watch it as you turn the ignition on and start it up and let us know the numbers you get.

Also here is a way to check your fuel pump. Get in your car and turn the ignition on so you hear the fuel pump kick on but DO NOT start it. Next turn the ignition off. Then repeat this two more times but on the last one start it up. If it starts up right away then your origional problem is you arnt getting enough line pressure to start the car which would point to a clogged fuel filter (located by rear drivers side tire $10 part) or a failing fuel pump.

So do the ignition on/off thing then try the fuel pressure. Let us know what happens.

***also if it is the opti get a GM one. The MSD is only a cap and rotor but the whole MSD unit comes out really soon or just came out and will be a bitch and $$$ to get. You can get a stock opti for like $275 from Jason Cromer at a wholesale GM dealer in florida. If you need the full contact ill find it and let ya know. I got mine from him and have had no problems

Black93Z · #13 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 12:25 AM

the full MSD unit just came out and yeah its expensive $500.

z28 justin · #14 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 10:31 PM

Thanks guys. Problem seems to have gone away, I ran some injector cleaner through the system a week ago, not sure if that was causing the problem or if it fixed it. But it's been starting first time all day today. I'll let you know if the problems comes back, see if I can't get a an error code from it or not. Appreciate the help alot tho.

greasemonkey · #15 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006, 05:30 AM

I'm pretty sure a clogged fuel filter or failing fuel pump won't set a code. and that does sound like it's the problem...i'm jumping on the fuel pump/filter bandwagon on this one.
the injector cleaner may have temporarily helped if there was goo or fine buildup on either the f.p. pickup or the fuel filter was clogged. either way if you don't know when the fuel filter was changed it'd be a good idea to pull it and see what comes out of the tank side of the filter. then since they're so cheap it'd be a good idea to put a new one back in.

z28 justin · #16 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006, 02:13 PM

Is it absolutely necessary to depressurize the fuel system when taking the filter out, or is that just to keep gas from getting all over? I was gonna replace the filter tomorrow since I might have some time. I know you gotta let the fuel pump run a couple times to repressurize the system, just wondering if I needed to get the special guage thing to depressurize it, or if I could just use an old rag to soak up some gas?

ta12sec · #17 (**permalink**) 04-10-2006, 02:27 PM

PULL THE FUSE PUMP FUSE START THE CAR AND IT WILL RELIVE ANY PRESSURE IN THE LINES, FUEL FILTER IS NOT GONNA BE THE PROBLEM. IF THE CAR RUNS ALLRIGHT DRIVING AFTER IT STARTS ITS NOT GONNA BE A LACK OF PRESSURE OR VOLUME. CAR NEEDS FAR MORE FUEL AT WOT THEN START UP. iF ITS BEEN A WHILE CHANGE IT BUT I HTINK U HAVE OTHER ISSUES

CamaroCliff · #18 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 08:35 PM

dont you always turn the key on for a second before you start it? if you are quick on the key, and your line pressure is a little low, say from sitting for a while, or for whatever reason, you will be spinning yor engine, while the fuel makes its way 15 feet to the engine. its a good practice to always turn the key to on and not start it until the pump stops. if the pump is pumping, whether the car is running or not, its because there is not enough pressure. if it takes excessively long to pressurize the line every time, then i would look into the pump or filter, or possible leak somwhere.

Rare4thgens · #19 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 06:50 AM

If oppti is bad, car no start or go, I speak from experience. Trust me Jer.

Also, you can't really start or run our cars with the TB elbow off, it need's the MAF. I don't recomend it. If fuel pressure was low, it would run like crap at high rpm, same for a filter at any rpm. Most likely you were right in treating the fuel system since it needs it periodically anyway but if you haven't already, an ignition coil is a cheap upgrade (MSD master blaster for $40). It made a huge difference in my 94. If you have the early OBII, I have a new MSD coil that I am not going to use that I could sell. I was going to put it on my Comp til I realized i have to shear off rivets making it impossible to put back to original. Also, seriously, don't go relacing things without testing them. If the problem comes back and if you know how to use a DMM or have access to someone who does, do a resistance and VD test on the starting circuits (insulated/power and ground) and then check the plug wires for resistance if they look bad.

P.S, if you have Edelbrock shorties, it might be easier for you to go from below for the plugs, especially on the right side.

z28 justin · #20 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 02:49 PM

I've tried letting the fuel pump run before starting and it doesn't seem to make a difference. It's a 95, so I have the OBDI I think. I was wondering about the coil if I possibly messed it up when I accidentally knocked the main wire loose with the intake pipe and tried to start it to see a big arc. I plugged it back on and it started right up at the time. Not sure if I could have damaged it or not. I got lazy and didn't replace the fuel filter like I was going to because I had no idea what ta12sec was talking about pulling a fuse. If I just pull the filter out will it damage anything, or just get me wet?