'89 won't start when hot

[Dreamin]

Our '89 automatic starts beautifully when cold. After a 30+ minute drive and the engine is shut off for 10 to 20 minutes she won't start easily.

You turn the key, she fires right up and then just quits. Second time the procedure is repeated. She usually starts on the third try with a little help from using the gas pedal.

This is my husband's car and has been doing this since he bought her a year ago. She has about 120,000 kilometers on her. I'm worried that we might be facing a big bill (nothing's ever cheap with these cars, is it).

Today, when I was standing behind the car while he tried to start it I noticed a very faint puff of black smoke come out of the exhaust. Very, very faint puff. I think I'm more worried about this than he is but I'm a big believer in being proactive (I have a '94).

He replaced the exhaust system and the problem disappeared for a bit. Now it's back.....

I don't know if it matters but the condenser has been replaced too. Other than that it's been normal wear and tear - new brakes, new shocks, etc.

Any suggestions.....anyone?

Thanks in advance.

Ann

 

[Dreamin]

Nope, the cat was NOT replaced. I'll do a search on cats.

The good news is I'm learning a lot!

Thank you for your suggestion.

I'll check back at this site tomorrow. My computer is going to be reformatted in about two seconds......

Ann

 

[rbyrne]

I've heard of this similar situation on a friends '85 and it turned to be a leaky injector which was leaking fuel after shut-off and causing a flooding situation. The black smoke is also a clue to a flooding thing. Have the injectors checked. He bought a set of injectors at Carlisle a number of years ago but sold the car. If '85 & '89 injectors are the same --- have I got a deal for you!!!

 

[Dreamin]

Now this is VERY strange......

I was surfing through this site and came across a thread dealing with opening up the air filter housing (use tin snips and cut out the slats) to increase airflow and gain 3-5 more horsepower. I showed it to my husband and he bravely did it. (I'm not sure whether I will do it or buy a stock lid for my '94 and cut it out).

Anyway, since doing that he swears the car is more responsive.

This is the strange part.......since doing that, his car has started every single time - hot or cold!

I hope this really was the cure (touch wood), time will tell.

I looked at the Haynes manual for information about injectors and then looked up the prices to get an idea of what was involved and what it would cost.

Like I said, I sure hope this simple trick did the job. Who knew?

Thanks everyone for your help.

Ann