Guest Posted November 19, 2002 Share Posted November 19, 2002 I am sure this has been covered but I am too lazy to look for it. Suddenly my reliable 3.8 has developed a problem starting in the morning or when the engine is cold. Even before the weather started to change the problem began. I seem to remember someone mentioning the fuel pressure valve?/sensor? on the fi manifold as the likely culprit. (Does this vehicle have a cold start valve? Where is it?) Anyway suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.. or point me to previous answers. She starts fine if the engine is warm but once it sits for an hour or so i have to grind like crazy to get her to kick over. 90K ,89 coupe. No other symtoms that I have noticed. thanks, maark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted November 19, 2002 Share Posted November 19, 2002 Since I have a guage ( ) would start with the fuel pressure on a cold start. Pump is supposed to energize for two seconds on key-on then is off until oil pressure builds up over about 6 psiSans guage try this: on cold start, crank for two seconds & turn the key all the way off if it has not fired, then repeat. If you have a guage, watch for the rise.If pump is lazy/failing when cold so you do not get "enough" in two seconds, there you are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Buick Mike Posted November 19, 2002 Share Posted November 19, 2002 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am sure this has been covered but I am too lazy to look for it. </div></div> Coil pack or possibly ignition control module. Do the coil pack first.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBSO Posted November 19, 2002 Share Posted November 19, 2002 I am a bit lazy today myself but I am certain lots has been written about the fuel pump relays also. Some of it by me.see http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/search.php?Cat= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 Padgett, thanks for the clues but where am I if the pressure does not build in 2 seconds? Do I need a fuel pump or pressure switch?thanks maark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 For a person with normal hearing, you should be able to hear the fuel pump with the engine off. Could also be a blocked fuel line or filter but if OK warm then is most likely the fuel pump not turning on/slow to turn on.What happened when you tried key on two seconds off for one and cycle a few times then try to start ?To check relay action you just put a DVM on the output of the relay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maark Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 The 2 second interval did not help. Still had to grind about 3-5 seconds to get to start. What is a DVM?maark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tempest68 Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 When this happened to ours, it turned out to be the relay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 Digital Volt Meter. Should be able to find one for under U$20Well, that was easy. Next step is either to troubleshoot (meter) or throw parts at it (relay). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maark Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 Parts worked!! Had a spare relay. Passenger side on the firewall. Started right up.thanks allmaark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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