'88 T Bird starting question

Topic: '88 T Bird starting question (Read 1152 times) previous topic - next topic

'88 T Bird starting question

February 09, 2006, 07:35:34 PM

Well,

The 120,000 mile Bird always fired up on a very short start position its entire 18 years! In the past month, this injected engine now spins and cranks for at least 5 seconds before firing off in the morning or after sitting idle for hours. Where would I start? The fuel pump was replaced about 10 years ago and this does not seem an electrical problem as the engine is fine once started. The starter is like always. I see no gas leaks (engine or elsewhere) or any telltale problem, but also have not looked under the car. The fuel quality is not the problem. My first inclination would be to test fuel pressure but I do not have a pressure gauge. Any ideas first--thanks !

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #1 – February 09, 2006, 07:44:26 PM

1. Wire from starter to solenoid on inner fender
2. Solenoid on fender

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #2 – February 09, 2006, 07:46:57 PM

Check all your engine to body grounds and engine to battery ground

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #3 – February 09, 2006, 08:00:15 PM

Your fuel pump check valve may be defunct. Bleeding off all pressure. Or your fuel filter is so cloged that it takes a few seconds to build pressure.

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #4 – February 11, 2006, 12:00:00 PM

Thanks for the thoughts Guys! I did not think about the fuel filter because subconsciously I knew that it is less than 2 years old with less than 8,000 miles on it. I am going to replace that first and see what gives. ...I always think of my boating experience on these fuel issues. A pal bought a wood hull boat years ago with a chevy V-8 engine and carb fuel system. It would start up fine and even handle idle and low trottle well. BUT, give it full trottle and it would choke up and stall on us. Well, we took the carb off the engine and found it to be completely choked up with crystalized fuel--all bowls and needle valves. Rebuilt it and the engine ran like new. it seems like fuel injection has pretty much ended those days.

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #5 – February 12, 2006, 07:01:09 PM

Try turning the key to RUN for 2 seconds, 3 or 4 times then try to start it. If it starts quicker, look at the fuel system.

'88 T Bird starting question

Reply #6 – February 13, 2006, 04:46:55 PM

possible leaky injectors? I had a 89 supercoupe that did the same thing and sure enough the injectors would drip into the cylinder and make for 3-5 sec. cranking to start. hot starts were good. pulled and had injectors professionally cleaned and balanced. problem solved. just an idea.