1996 SE starts rough, eventually revs than goes to normal
 

After looking around, i didn't find a thread about this secific problem. If on exists, please PM me link and delete this thread.

Ok here we go .... when I start my car (anytime, warm or cold) it'll catch, sputter, stall. sometimes it does this once, sometimes up to 5-6 times before it finally stays runing. I say stay running, but it seems to sputter, like there is a vaccum leak. It will eventually rev up to about 2000RPM, then level out and run fine until I turn it off. I have also noticed that myvolt indicator stays low until it revs then is stays steady at ~14 volts.

any ideas?

I did see the MAF/TB cleaning in tech info, I might try that out this weekend.

Thankx in advance for the help :D

Dave

Dave...

I'd agree it sounds vacuum related. However let's go right through it.

Check the fuel pressure without engine running. You should see ~40-50psi
Review all vacuum hoses, remembering the couple under the airbox going to the charcoal canister.
Clean that TB if it hasn't been done. Idle Air Control valve can be dirty and causing this as well.

When you say it revs to 2000 rpm.. is that with you pressing the throttle?

I don't touch the throttle until it levels out. I am getting a pressure test kit tommorow (payday :p) along with a TB gasket and some seafoam. So I can't give specifics just yet.

Is there a diagram somewhere i can use to check the vacuum routes? I didn't see one in the engine compartment anywhere.

Also the airbox is gutted, tho this problem existed before I did that, tho not as bad as it is now.

That sounds like an IAC to me also

Could be an IAC.. which is covered when the TB is cleaned.

The gutted box shouldn't be an issue. As for vacuum diagram.. take a look on the radiator support..typically there is a diagram there. If not..we can get one for you ... uh..somewhere.. ;)

ok, fuel pressure is @ ~42psi when running and ~50psi when i turned the car off.

the TB cleaning is going to have to wait till Sunday since neither parts store has a gasket in stock.

I picked up some Seafoam. Should I run it through before or after I clean the TB?

hmmm, weather here is NOT cooperating and I don't have a garage so the TB cleaning will have to wait till the weekend (weather permiting)

I have a MAF comming from sully, hopefully that will fix the hard time starting. If it dones't, from what I have been reading on the site here, it might be a ICM. Dunno for sure.

I also am waiting on the seafoam. After searching the forums, I haven't found the answer I am looking for with it. Like a nice picture with a big red arrow pointing to the vacuum hose I need to use, hint hint :p

well, weather was nice enough for me to change the brakes today. I'm gonna hold off on the TB cleaning till the weekend since the Bonnie is also my Daily Driver :)

Anyone have any luck finding a vaccum route? I'd like to double (and triple) check all of them this weekend as well

TIA

Dave

Could be a dirty/malfunctioning MAF...did you say you are getting a new MAF sensor?

Are you throwing any codes / SES lights?

I doubt the ICM is giving you a hard start. That would typically be a pre 92 car.