[scottahoffman]

Hey guys, My 92 GT does NOT like to start soon after I turn it off. When the car is cold (haven't started in a hour or so) it starts, runs, drives just fine. But, if I turn it off after a drive and then try to re start it, it usually is hard starting but does start and then runs normal. Then, if I turn it off for a second time after another short drive (like running errands) It WILL NOT start unless I let it sit for 15 minutes or more. When it won't start, it cranks like crazy and I can smell fuel. I have a few ideas, but I'm wondering what you all think. Please throw in your 2 cents.

 

[vinnietbird]

Starter heat soak?

 

[Beoweolf]

Try replacing the Igniton module....(its the -usually- grey module on the lower side of the distributer). They are notorious for unexplained runtime and starting symptoms.

http://www.dca.ca.gov/ced/recall_tips.htm

Try your ideas out first, then you won't have to go thru so many guesses and questions about what you did or didn't do to solve the problem...it also shows you tried. It's easier for those who may want to help.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Beoweolf on 4/22/06 11:02pm ]</font>

 

[scottahoffman]

The module may be the problem. It apears to be original. I'm think the timing may be the problem. I haven't checked it a couple sesons. Although the car is well maintained. I run 93 octane gas always and have heard no detonation.

 

[scottahoffman]

OK fellas. New development. It would NOT START cold this morning. First time ever. I had the Module checked. It checked OK. I replaced it anyway. Still no start. I checked to see if I was getting spark at the coil and NOTHING. No spark! Ideas???

 

[scottahoffman]

I replaced the coil pick up and still won't start. Does anyone have a idea? Could it just be tha darn coil. Its a three year old MSD. I may have put 3000 miles on the car since I installed that coil.

 

[scottahoffman]

I tryed a new coil, that didn't help.

 

[vinnietbird]

Starter?Ignition switch (electronic box in the column)?The starter was my first choice.It would be a great time to go to the mini starter.Hint,Hint.

 

[FEandGoingBroke]

IGN Switch electrical portion needs to be cleaned and lubricated with di-electric grease....

FE

 

[Beoweolf]

swapping parts can get expensive in hurry. It may be time to pull out the manual, get a DVM, digital probe and start checking voltages and circuits.

You hae done most of the easy, quick fixes...it may be time to start at the basic homework. Most of the manuals have a set of steps that will lead you to the likely problem. Its a PIA, but at some point "By guess and by golly" has to step aside for plain old nit-picking detective work.

I went through this with mine a few years back, even bit the bullet and took it to some "Pros". Many weeks, dollars and swapped out parts later...I had enough, brought it home and start a methodical circuit chasing series of test. I found the problem in less than a few hours.

I spent a few bills getting some electronic tools but it was way less than what the experts charged for "storing" my car for weeks. After I found the problem I had to ask them why they didn't find it...aren't you guys supposed to be experts? yeah ...right. Nothing beats the motivation of walking to get you in the proper frame of mind to fix a weird problem.

With the computer cars, everything hooks to everything else. A lot of the old "by pass" and hot wire tricks don't work anymore.

 

[scottahoffman]

Beowolf, I'm lost when it comes to electrical problems. We just met for the first time this week! I have a meter, but owning one does not mean I know how to work it. I checked power at the coil and if I set the meter correctly. (Volts/DC/200) it reads 11.7 I downloaded a whole list of things to check last night and I'm going to give them all a shot tonight. Please check back later. -Scott

 

[scottahoffman]

OK, I have 12 volts to the coil, I check the coil, shows zero (0) resistance, checked the coil for spark and No spark. I checked to make sure that the ground to the coil is good, that checks out. I can not find any fusable links at all. It leads me back to the coil pick up in the distibutor. Thats brand new, but is it good? Can that be checked? This thing started and ran one day and no start the next!!!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: scottahoffman on 4/27/06 7:23am ]</font>

 

[ChicoB]

There are alot of stories all over the internet about aftermarket new TFI modules being defective. Did you test the new module before installation?

 

[scottahoffman]

No, I checked the old Module and it checked OK. I'll throw the old one that checked OK back on. I just called the autoparts store to see if they can check the Coil pick up and they said no. Thanks for the idea!!!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: scottahoffman on 4/27/06 7:46am ]</font>

 

[scottahoffman]

HOLY CRAP OLA!!! ChicoB you are a genius!!! I pu tthe old TFI Module back on and wow!!! It flippin started!!!!! I'm going to the parts store to have them check the "new" one now!!! Thanks ChicoB!!!

 

[scottahoffman]

The new on e checked OK. What? How could that be?

 

[Beoweolf]

After you get a good new one, keep the old one for a spare. You never know when they will come in handy.

The issue with modules...is heat can affect them, they'll work - then stop working for no appearant reason. The tests they do at the auto store are a go/nogo test, they can't really put any stress on the part.

 

[vinnietbird]

Happy Dance !!!!

 

[drewbot]

just had a similar situation with my 90 lx 5.0. after driving it all day in traffic. from about 9am till 1pm, I got to my destination only to have it not start. thought it was the fuel pump since it's the original and has 180 thou on it, stayed overnight, (luckily I was at a hotel) had the car towed home and after dumping $90 for the tow, the car started right up like nothing happened. Gonna swap out the original fuel pump for the 190 lph anyway, but a good rule is to carry a spare module during the warmer months. just in case.