1987 Riviera Starting Problem

[NJRiviera]

My friend has a 1987 Riviera, the car starts but then just dies out, happens mostly after he gets gas but sometimes happens when he starts it at other times, after it sits for about an hour its starts and runs fine.Can anyone help us out?????

[56Roadmaster]

can you give us more details, ie when its hot,cold,milage,what has or hasn't been replaced to try to correct is the check engine light staying on?.<BR> have you replaced the undercar fuel filter? that often over looked part may be the trouble, also have you checked for correct fuel pressure at the rail? GM in tank pumps start having problems over 120K, does the pump pressurize when you turn key on it should come on briefly when key goes to on position to pressurize line.

[NTX5467]

The fuel pressure and fuel filter issues are both valid points. A minimum fuel pressure is necessary for the injectors to do their job. If, during cranking, the pressure starts out low and then builds, the injectors will fire only when the pressure builds to the minimum pressure they need--and not before. <P>If the fuel filter is clogged or restricted, it can delay the pressure building immediately in the fuel rail. After the vehicle sits and previously pressurized fuel gets through the filter, they usually start the second time. There also is a pressure regulator on the fuel rail near the connection for the fuel pressure gauge. In any event, the pressures need to be "in spec."<P>We recently had a later model Chevy pickup in the shop for a problem similar to what you mention, plus a "low power" complaint. With the fuel pressure gauge hooked up, during the cranking to start, the pressure started out at about 45psi and slowly built to 55psi before the engine started. Once started, the fuel pressure acted normally, but dropped back too far under acceleration.<P>We recommend fuel filter changes every 30,000 miles on fuel injected GM vehicles. When the filter becomes clogged, it causes the fuel pump to draw too much current and can melt the wires in the sending unit/fuel pump module--not inexpensive items to replace. Fuel filters are much easier and cheaper to replace.<P>NTX5467