1988 Starting Problem

[Green LT1]

I have a 1988 35th Anniversary with 21,000 miles and a totally stock engine. When the car sits overnight, it starts immediately on the first turn. After the car is warmed up and stopped, each subsequent start requires the engine to turn over 5-6 times. It always eventually starts, but the delay is a concern. This cannot be normal. It does not seem to be a fuel problem, as I can smell raw gas when the engine cranks for several seconds. Is it an ignition problem? Does anyone have any ideas? Once the car starts, it idles smoothly and runs great, with no hesitation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jester]

Do a fuel pressure leak down test. The fuel rail should hold pressure for some time after shutting the engine off. If it starts dropping right away, you have a leak somewhere. From your description, there is probably an injector that is sticking open. When you stop the engine, the fuel from the fuel rail leaks into the intake and you have a flooded engine condition. Hence the smell of raw fuel and long crank time to clear the flooded condition. After sitting overnight the fuel has time to disapate and it will start normally.

 

[RedRagTop]

Precisely. However, my 88 will, as I'm sure most cars will, crank over a bit more to flash up when hot.
, without the fuel smell or any other contributing factors. Just HOT.

 

[Green LT1]

Jester and RJSROCKET, thank you for the tips! I will check the fuel rail pressure and see what happens. If the pressure test is normal, I may report back and see if you have any other ideas. This is my first posting on this fantastic site. Hopefully I can help others with their problems.

 

[atmmac]

I would just try changing your plugs and adding some injector cleaner to your gas. My guess is that will fix your problem. Good luck to you!

 

[Da Hawaiian Punch]

I have a 1988 35th Anniversary with 21,000 miles and a totally stock engine. When the car sits overnight, it starts immediately on the first turn. After the car is warmed up and stopped, each subsequent start requires the engine to turn over 5-6 times. It always eventually starts, but the delay is a concern. This cannot be normal. It does not seem to be a fuel problem, as I can smell raw gas when the engine cranks for several seconds. Is it an ignition problem? Does anyone have any ideas? Once the car starts, it idles smoothly and runs great, with no hesitation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

How long have you had the problem? It could be you 'Idle air control" valve not set correctly and/or you tps (Throttle possion sensor) also not set correctly.
Sometimes a "Air vacum leak" either from your vacum lines or motor to intake, intake to plenum or plenum to runners might have a leak, they be the culprit.
"No, I'm I'm not a machanic, but I did stay ay a Holiday in last night" :J

 

[muddywaters]

Hard starting

Hi GreenLT1, MY 88 does exactly what you discribed, new TPS, set the IAC, same problem. I feel it is the injectors leaking down.

 

[Green LT1]

Thanks everyone. It seems that the best course of action at this time is to focus on the possible injector leakage problem first, and see if that solves the problem. If not, I can try the other alternatives, taking the easiest and cheapest alternative first. Thanks again!

 

[Vrotate]

My 85 did it, and my 87 does the exact same thing... Is there such thing as a cold start injector/switch? I heard that from some where...

I can turn my ignition off, then back on, let the guages settle then it will crank right up.

It's a very frustrating problem, I know what your experiencing.

 

[pthoma1]

Vrotate, I'm not sure about the vette l98 but I know in the F-body all 88 and older l98's have a cold start injector that is turned on by a relay from the PCM, I am almost certain that the vettes are the same way. You could use a voltmeter to see when and if the injector is opening. But I would go with the leak down test first. I would say most likely it is the fuel Pressure Reg. or fuel Pressure Sens. But thats just my 2 cents Good Luck!!

Paul

 

[Magnus]

Injectors

Do you know if the injectors are Bosch or Lucas brand on a -88?

 

[vigman]

Mine too!

I NEED INJECTORS!

Let her sit 3 days.. fires on the 1 st crank... drive it around.. and 15 to 20 cranks then she fires with a nice WAFT of TECHRON SUPREEME

Hold the accelerator down ALL THE WAY when starting.. this will enable "Flood mode" and lean the injectors out a bit.. but ITS TIME to FIX EM!

The other news is you will have to find a BLOCK OFF for the cold start injector and /or fuel lines to keep that one from dribbeling.

Vig~

 

[pthoma1]

injectors

85-88 L98's have Bosch but I think you can use either. Does anyone know why GM switched??

 

[Vrotate]

VIG

It's been a while.

What is your opinion on what to do. New cold start injector? Or do you think it is all of them?:confused

 

[vigman]

Vig has been busy fending off X wife wallet grabs

In this case ( and I havent done this my self yet) I would block the flow of fuel going to the cold start valve by replacing the banjo bolt fitting and just capping the line off CLEANLY.

2nd I would replace ALL the injectors using TPIS. My Fords are not cutting it!

3 rd NOW do the leakdown test.

My .02

Vig~

( Still preppin for my case )

 

[pthoma1]

well said vigman, thats what I would do.