Starting problem (fuel pressure issue)

[claypool72]

If car sits overnight I have to turn key 4 times to build pressure than it starts. Now if I just run up to the store and it only sits a few minutes it fires right up. I'm sure it's a common issue. Vehicle has 154000 so she's an old lady. Thanks for any help.

 

[Bull Geek]

Time for a fuel pump most likely. Get an AutoZone or the like fuel pressure test kit ($100 -$150 deposit, refunded on return). Bet you have low #s.

 

[stephen newberg]

Fuel pump is certainly possible. Also might be the air flow sensor. When it gets dirty, which it does over time, you get that sort of symptom. Sometimes you can clean them, but they are fragile and you might need to just replace it.

pax, smn

 

[claypool72]

Like I said. It's fine if it hasn't sit to long. If I turn it off it fits right back up. If I let it sit 2 hrs then I have a problem. It's losing pressure. Thought I had a small hole in the fuel line. But the only thing I found was leaking break lines.

 

[stephen newberg]

Yes, that would still fit the air sensor problem. Its a temp thing when its dirty, I think. But it could also very easily be the fuel pump. Never had a problem with mine, and have not heard of a lot of problems with them, but they are getting to be old cars, so it could certainly be the difficulty.

pax, smn

 

[claypool72]

are you talking the mass airflow sensor?

 

[stephen newberg]

Yes, IIRC that is the name, though for some reason I am thinking different initials.

pax, smn

 

[98SF19]

fuel pump or MAF

The fuel pressure test kit idea sounds like a good course of action. If you've been running a K&N panel filter, I read that sometimes the oils in the filter get blown up onto the MAF filament and can disrupt the normal operation. If you search this site, you'll find quick instructions for cleaning the MAF (brake cleaner and canned air I believe).

There was once a guy that stopped by my place to talk SHO as he owned a Gen 3 as well. He mentioned having replaced a diode in the air box that tricked the computer into thinking the intake air was like 6o degrees F, but I haven't seen or heard anything about that since.

 

[claypool72]

I replaced the stem in the pressure relief valve. Maybe I should also start start there.

 

[shoftw]

I had the same exact problem in my sho years back after replacing the fpr and getting nowhere, i pulled the tank to find 1 of the plastic fuel lines on the sending unit had a pin size hole. I cut the plastic line out and used a rubber hose to replace it.

 

[bubba]

I just bought a shosource fuel pump.... more than happy 2 days to my house..... I only trust walbro.... thats me