Hard starting problem (Page 2/2)
Patrick AUG 25, 05:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney:

I had the distributor replaced sometime back. I’m now wondering if the mechanic may not have ensured number 1 was at TDC when he installed it. Number 1 position on the distributor appears to be further clockwise (3 o’clock vs. 1 o’clock) than on my GTs.



More information at the link.


quote
Originally posted by Patrick Here:

...the cap position can be anywhere you wish to orient it... as long as the rotor is pointing to the terminal used for #1... and the piston is at the top of the compression stroke for cylinder #1.
Mike in Sydney AUG 25, 06:26 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney:


Well, it ain’t the IAC. I replaced it and there was no change.

I had the distributor replaced sometime back. The old one was badly rusted from sitting. (I purchased the car unseen and had my mechanic in the U.S. do some work to get it ready for shipment back home to Oz.). I’m now wondering if the mechanic may not have ensured number 1 was at TDC when he installed it. Number 1 position on the distributor appears to be further clockwise (3 o’clock vs. 1 o’clock) than on my GTs .



Yeah, well that ain’t the problem, either. Doubled checked it after getting home from church. Same result. S#$& !

Started to replace the injectors and realised I didn’t have the proper Torx bit to remove the throttle body. Running out of time before I leave for Oz so I’ll drop it at the mechanic’s place tomorrow and see it he can sort it out.

BTW, I tried unplugging the MAP so it would run in limp mode. No joy.
Patrick AUG 25, 06:28 PM

I'm still suspecting the TPS.
Mike in Sydney AUG 26, 09:29 AM
Could be. Dropped it at the mechanic this morning with instructions to change the injectors. I’ll mention the TPS.
Mike in Sydney AUG 26, 09:32 AM
Post omitted - duplicate post.

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 08-26-2024).]

Mike in Sydney AUG 26, 05:41 PM
Post omitted.

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 08-26-2024).]

Mike in Sydney SEP 03, 08:36 AM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


I'm still suspecting the TPS.





Well, now that I'm back in Oz, the problem and mystery has been solved and resolved. The car, however, is still in North Carolina. (Pictures below of my $1000.00 Fiero with 55K miles)

According to the mechanic, there were two vacuum leaks that were intermittent. That caused the hard starting. When coupled with a faulty new fuel pump that I had installed last year, the problem was exacerbated. The pump would prime but after the car started, low fuel pressure would cause the stumbling under load.

Moral of this story: Always double-check the obvious things and remember that things may be faulty right out of the box.




[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 09-03-2024).]

Patrick SEP 03, 04:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney:

When coupled with a faulty new fuel pump that I had installed last year, the problem was exacerbated. The pump would prime but after the car started, low fuel pressure would cause the stumbling under load.



Mike, after reviewing this thread, I now realize you never responded to my fuel pressure question. Next time I'll be a bit more dogged when asking for info. Anyway, glad to hear the issue has been resolved.


quote
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney:

The fuel pump primes when the key is turned and the system hold about 40 psi when stopped.




quote
Originally posted by Patrick Here:

How long does it hold that pressure when the fuel pump stops?
Mike in Sydney SEP 03, 07:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Patrick Here:

How long does it hold that pressure when the fuel pump stops?




Yeah, my bad. Just got lazy and thought that with a new pump and 40 psi on prime, what could possibly go wrong.

Oh, well...live and learn.

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 09-03-2024).]