She's Getting Cranky

[tlong]

The '96 is running as good as ever. Just recently, every now and then hot or cold it cranks 5 seconds, spits and catches. It has never done THAT before, just fired up like a startled cat. No other symptoms.

I ran the gas down to one bar with reserve light on for 20 minutes. Is the pump going? Filter? (just replaced 8k ago).

I thank you in advance for suggestions. Does the car set codes without firing 'Check Engine' light? I read the hard start portion of the Helms. It boiled down to about 200 posibilities.

Thanks all.

 

[Ken]

I ran the gas down to one bar with reserve light on for 20 minutes. Is the pump going?

Once in a while when you find yourself low on gasoline won't necessarily hurt your pump; it's repeatedly running the tank to low levels that'll overheat it and ruin it eventually.

As for the cranking time, it's not unusual, dependent upon the weather, to have the engine require more cranks than at other times. How's it start when warm?

Codes will be set if they are activated, that is, the Check Engine light will indicate which code is set when one is set.

 

[tlong]

Thanks Ken. It has been like a tropical rain forest here for a month. Temps in the high 80s with 90% humidity. I guess that could make a difference. It runs just great, but the occasional hard to start thing happens hot or cold.

No check engine so no codes, right? Cool. I'll fill at 2 or 3 bars left.
tlong

 

[RedRagTop]

Yes, no point in dropping the level down past 1/4, I usually top off at about 1/3...

 

[Vettefan87]

The only time I let my car run past 1/4 a tank is when I have like chevron gas additive in it, other then that i dont like to let it get to much under half.