3800 no start

[kx50052]

Hello

I have a 3800 Olds trofeo 1990. It cranks and starts for a second then stops. If I take off the air filter tube at the air cleaner box and spray starting fluid into the tube it starts and runs fine. I can shut it off and restart it for maybe 2 days or longer then, Crank and start for a second or so and then back to the starting fluid and then ok for a few days. I had a service engine soon light on it was code 41 cam sensor. I replace the interrupter and the cam sensor cleared the code and thought I fixed it but after a few days of starting fine and no code I had a no start (as above) shot of ether and good to go again.

Any ideas guys?

Thanks in advance

[Don B.]

There maybe a bad fuel injector and all the fuel pressure is bleeding out. Get a fuel pressure gauge and take a reading after the car is running. Take a reading the next day if there is a big drop then it is an injector.

[padgett]

Might also be a failing fuel pump relay. Try cranking til the oil pressure comes up and see if it starts then or use the prime lead.

Alternatively a failing fuel pump - won't always start on battery but will if alternator is turning. Check with prime lead and gauge on fuel rail.