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03-11-2010, 03:34 AM
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#1
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,873
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Camaro Starting Issues
my wife's 97 camaro(3800 V6) is having intermittent starting issues. i cannot as of yet isolate this problem--it happens cold or hot, rain or shine.
it always turns over and when it does start, shows zero signs of poor performance. it does have a post converter O2 sensor code that comes and goes, but i'm not sure if it's related.
the fuel pump is actuated during the no start situations. the fuel filter was changed less than a year ago, but i did buy a "cheapy" on line. i might start there since it's cheap(even a good filter), and easy to install.
thoughts?
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03-11-2010, 03:57 AM
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#2
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 618
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Well, I always start with the basic 3. Fuel, air, spark.
Check for consistant spark. You may want to just replace the coils for peace of mind as I've seen those give problems many times. Check wires for resistance and see if they're within spec or again, just replace w/ higher performance parts. Clean and regap plugs.
Fuel. Harbor freight fuel gauge will do the trick to reassure you you're getting plenty.
Air... self explanitory. Check PCV, vacuum sources, air filter and MAF. Do the free mod while you're in the airbox... remove the excess plastic material from the lower air box assembly. Search "f-body free mod" if curious about that one.
I know on the 3.4L f-body's the big problem was the intake manifold gasket. Not sure if the 3.8L carried any plaguing issues there or not but some brake cleaner sprayed on the intake edges while the car is running will tell you if you've got a leak or not.
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 John
'09 Saturn Aura 2.4L
'94 Chevy Camaro Z28 (5.7L 6sp)
'96 Chevy C1500 (5.0L 5sp)
'08 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
'01 KTM Duke 2
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03-11-2010, 05:14 AM
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#3
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Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,624
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Yup. The $20 Harbor Freight high-pressure fuel pressure gauge worked great for troubleshooting my 2002 GM V8's fuel system.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92699
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03-13-2010, 03:10 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 659
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It has nothing to do with the starting issue, but I hope you've been changing the coolant regularly. Just a reminder.
-BC
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03-13-2010, 02:44 PM
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#5
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobc455
It has nothing to do with the starting issue, but I hope you've been changing the coolant regularly. Just a reminder.
-BC |
yes, but not by choice  .
we had cooling issues recently. when i installed the water pump and thermostat, the cooling was flushed and refilled with GREEN prestone antifreeze and purified water.
BTW, did you get my last PM?
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03-13-2010, 05:29 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 659
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bowtieguy
BTW, did you get my last PM?
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Yup, it's amazing how much stuff I have to do whilst looking for a job. But you are on my list to get to... Thanks!
-BC
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03-14-2010, 08:39 AM
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#7
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobc455
Yup, it's amazing how much stuff I have to do whilst looking for a job. But you are on my list to get to... Thanks!
-BC
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 just wanted to see if you're interested before i give your site info to the appropriate individuals.
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04-04-2010, 12:03 PM
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#8
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 698
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I could be wrong, but that sounds pretty normal. If the pressure is there as soon as you turn on the key, you should be getting gas.
Maybe an intermittent electrical connection in the line to the distributor or coil pack?
In my experience, a clogged fuel filter will let the car idle or drive at low speeds OK, but bog down on the freeway or climbing steep hills. It would only stop the car if it is really clogged, e.g. gasoline attacking the stuff that the nice man coated the gas tank with to seal a pinhole leak (that happened to me a long time ago...).
__________________
"We are forces of chaos and anarchy. Everything they say we are we are, and we are very proud of ourselves!" -- Jefferson Airplane
Dick Naugle says: 1. Prepare food fresh. 2. Serve customers fast. 3. Keep place clean.
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04-04-2010, 02:26 PM
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#9
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeBob
I could be wrong, but that sounds pretty normal. If the pressure is there as soon as you turn on the key, you should be getting gas.
Maybe an intermittent electrical connection in the line to the distributor or coil pack?
In my experience, a clogged fuel filter will let the car idle or drive at low speeds OK, but bog down on the freeway or climbing steep hills. It would only stop the car if it is really clogged, e.g. gasoline attacking the stuff that the nice man coated the gas tank with to seal a pinhole leak (that happened to me a long time ago...).
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ya, i did end up changing the fuel filter just in case(cheap item anyway). the car runs like a champ on the hwy. i suspected bad plug wires, so i changed the them and the plugs as well.
gonna check for a leaky injector or pump, then will move onto coil packs(tho my experience shows they have heat soak issues when starting to go bad--hot starting problems).
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04-04-2010, 12:26 PM
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#10
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Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,624
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If you turn it to "On" for a couple seconds (listening for the fuel pump to stop) before turning it to "Start", does it fire immediately?
Does "ignition on w/ motor off, PSI specs are fine" mean pressure is immediately correct, or that it becomes correct after a couple seconds?
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