I'm brainstorming and troubleshooting my cars most recent problems


What are the typical signs of a failing starter motor :?:

It takes me 5 times to get my car started now....only if it sits for a long time...remember the 5+ hrs thing. So much turning over..so much cranking...no firing up...

Just troubleshooting Jr...

Is time to put a guage on the fuel rail - that is what the schrader fitting is for.

The dealer said they did that....and the pressure was fine. So I'm a bit stumped. Its getting progressively harder to get my car started. :?

fuel filter? the pump in the back has to push fuel through a wall of crap. who knows. just another one of those stupid ideas.

So far as symptoms... I heard the whine of the starter motor itself (sounds like....a small heavy duty electric motor... hard to describe...) then a "thunk" as the solenoid enganged the starter to the engine....

After that happened a few times, decided to get 'er done. $115 cash installed for a remanufactured starter

That'* prolly just if the solenoid is going. From what you're saying, not the case. Do you notice that the starter is turning over the engine slower than normal? Could be sign of weak starter or battery...

Also, when it does start, is there any noticable cloud (color etc) from the exhaust that may suggest there was gas in the engine?

Plugs and wires new?

Given it a swift kick recently?

I spoke with Jr and he had a listen to my ailing Bonne over the phone. The starter is strong..

Going to look at the fuel pump regulator as a starting point

I'll let yous know

Thanks for the comments guys

Just got the call. $177 dollars for the pressure regulator plus $82.50 installation plus tax, comes out to $400 beans. Jr if you can get that regulator up here ASAP then I can handle the labour. I cannot afford at $400 job to get the regulator fixed, find out that it is NOT the problem and have to drop another $6 or $700 to get the tank dropped and the pump changed.

:?

I use GM Parts Direct ( www.gmpartsdirect.com ). Their shipping is a bit absurd but for expensive items the base price is nice - $75.58 + $15 *&H for p/n 25523720 regullator (what my parts book shows for a 88-90 "C" engine. Appears to br held on by two screws and accessable by removing the plastic cover.

When the engine finally starts, do you get any black smoke ? - a weeping injector could do the same thing.

Once upon a time I had a '78 Sunbird with a SBC mounting dual AFBs. Only way it would start withougt a lot of cranking was after I put a "prime" button on the dash to bypass the oil pressure interlock on the fuel pump.

Push the button for for five seconds or so after sitting overnight, give a few pumps and it would crank right up.

Might be able to duplicate for a test after sitting for the five hours by turning key on, wait two seconds, turn key off and repeat five times. Then try cranking. I'd want to put a pressure guage on the system first.

Nope, the exhaust is clear. Nothing is wrong with the exhuast flow. The only problem with GMPD is they don't ship to CAN. So, I'm outta luck there.

Thanks for the effort tho, I'm sure Jr will come through with sending his regulator up for me

Every few hours I stand in the office and use the remote to fire up my car. Its only when it sits for a few hours....oh well, I'll figure it out