View Single Post
Old Dec 14, 2022 | 09:45 PM
  #2 (permalink)  
pizzaguy's Avatar
pizzaguy
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 1,278
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default Re: Intermittent starting

You asked, so here we go. I'd suggest you diagnose the problem before throwing parts and money at it. You tried to replace every part that is a common, ignition-related problem. You ignored something.

In the case of our cars, there is an important part of the engine system that has NO sensors on it and you will get NO CODES if a failure occurs. Just guess what that system is. Go ahead. It's the system you have ignored so far (from what you typed, that is).

I'ts the fuel system. There is NOT ONE sensor on the car telling the ECU what the fuel pressure is, instead, the ECU just assumes it's 58psi +/- 2-3 pounds.

There are two ways I test fuel pressure when a car won't start easily.

1) Get in car, turn key to ON and wait a count of three: "One-one, one-two, one-three". Turn key to start. If engine starts just fine this way but not "normally", you have a problem where the fuel system builds pressure slowly. My Ranger did this, so I always waited to turn the key. For three years. Then, one day, it quit running - the pump died.

2) Order one of these:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-5630
Screw it on to the valve on the engine, up front, under the air intake. Turn key ON.
If the pressure is not 55-60psi, get your fuel system fixed.

No one should be without a fuel pressure test kit, they are as easy to use (tho a bit more dangerous) as a tire pressure gauge (due to the gasoline that will spray out if you are not quick about it).

Once more, the ONE system on the car that is without sensors is the fuel injection. You MUST measure it manually, there is no other way to know if the fuel pressure is high enough to run the engine.
And on that note, the engine will start and idle as low as 25-30psi. But at such pressure, if you press the accelerator, it will sputter and shake. Pressures below somewhere around 12-20psi and the engine wont 'fire' at all.
 

Last edited by pizzaguy; Dec 14, 2022 at 10:02 PM.
Reply