Engine Help!!

[ToledoSHO]

Ok for the past day or so it has done this. But my 93 ATX while driving will stall out and then after a few mins up to a couple of hours will stall out too. But once you get it started it only last a couple of minutes. This happens either driving, braking or at idle. It will not start after it stalls. Any ideas? I need my car for work. thanks

 

[socialdeviat]

I think the consensus will agree on the Crank Position Sensor.

Do you have any coolant leaks? It may be time for your 60k fix.

 

[naval-avi8or]

Ok for the past day or so it has done this. But my 93 ATX while driving will stall out and then after a few mins up to a couple of hours will stall out too. But once you get it started it only last a couple of minutes. This happens either driving, braking or at idle. It will not start after it stalls. Any ideas? I need my car for work. thanks

Could edit your question or better explain your symptoms. It sound like early stage fuel pump failure. Car runs fine until pump heats up and siezes. Pump will cool down after a few min to hour and restart and run fine. Best way to trouble shoot the pump is to check the fuel pressure when the car is exhibiting the problem, so you will need a fuel press gage handy. Other things to listen for are a noisy whinning fuel pump (easiest to hear for about 2 seconds after turning the key to run).

As stated it could also be a CPS which may or maynot trigger a CEL so you could pull the codes but if there is a CPS code there will also be a fuel pump code as the fuel pump requires a valid ignition code to operate.

 

[ToledoSHO]

Well i do have a crack in my radiator. Been trying to get money to fix it but fill it up every once in awhile. The CEL has been on for awhile but has run fine until now. I do hear the fuel pump come on when i turn the key too, but doesn't sound whinning, sounds like it always has. I was thinking CPS also but really didn't think about fuel pump. Is there any more info i could help you with. The one thing i did notice was that before I didn't fill my gas tank up fully but then I finally did and now this is happening more often any thoughts on this? Is there any more info I can provide?

 

[naval-avi8or]

But my 93 ATX while driving will stall out and then after a few mins up to a couple of hours will stall out too. But once you get it started it only last a couple of minutes.

The quote above was what was a little confusing.

 

[gbizzle27]

Sounds like a Crank Sensor to me. Run your codes and see what comes up.

 

[Bizzy]

Typically when the crank sensor starts to go it'll run for a little while, then stall, then start back up again after about 20-30 minutes. After it starts back up the car will run as normal generally speaking.

For a fuel pump it might not be as "regular" with the stalling and restarting.

Does this happen every time you drive the car? Meaning, will it run for a little while then stall, then run for a little while then stall?

I'm also leaning toward the fuel pump on this one. They don't always make bad sounds when they're failing. You might also want to run your codes just to see what you come up with.

 

[joshy1410]

It could be a clogged exhaust system, mainly your cat. I had a Firebird that did the same thing. turns our my cat was clogged. just a thought

 

[ToledoSHO]

It happens regularly. I went and grabbed my car yesterday after letting it sit for a couple of hours and it restarted. Then after driving a while like maybe 10 mins it stalled again. Waited another couple of hours and started right up on first turn of the key and got the car home. Hope that helps. Thanks everyone for your help

 

[93rev2sev]

Crank sensor. Waterpump.

I.E. front 60k is needed. Do the timing belt and check the timing belt tensioner while you are working on the rest of it. Do a search to find out how to tell if your tensioner is shot.

 

[Rockledge]

As Beth+ suggested, pull the codes. That might take some of the guesswork out of it.

 

[ToledoSHO]

So basically it sounds like the CPS went out. But will pull codes. Can I find out how over at http://www.shotimes.com?

 

[naval-avi8or]

Could be either the CPS or Fuel pump. Codes (CPS failure doesn't always throw a code however disruption in the ignition signal will always throw a secondary fuel pump circuit failure) may or may not help but you should pull them any way.

I've never had a CPS failure (knock on wood) so I don't have that intamate experience to help you with. I have had the fuel pump experience and it was exactly what you stated when you readdressed your symptoms.

If your car has never had a 60K or needs it again than regardless you should consider doing/having it done and the CPS should be changed.

As I mentioned, if you are only looking to fix your stalling problem you need to rule out the fuel pump by checking fuel pressure when it stalls. Just pick up a fuel press gage (only a few dollars at autozone) check it imediatly after it stalls. When it stalls check the pressure key off and then key on. Wait for 30 min to an hour (your normal refire time) and check it key on and key on engine running.

 

[ToledoSHO]

Ok well i went to autozone and they wanted 40 bucks for a fuel pressure gauge so no way. So I think I am going to replace the CPS and if that doesn't work then look at the fuel system. Does anybody know where I can get some instructions on removal and installation? Thanks to all for your help!

 

[93rev2sev]

www.shophoenixproject.com

Look to the maintenance section. Specifically, the front 60k page.

 

[ToledoSHO]

Ok more info for you. On saturday I decided to start the car. First turn of the key no problem. Fired right up. It Idled around 800-900 for about 15minutes and then the pitch of the engine changed like it was bogged down or under a load for 5 mins and then just completely stalled. Could not get the car refired at all. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the link!!

Thanks again everyone for your help!!!

MATT
'93 ATX SHO