Advice Please, Starting issues
 

Hey guys, First off, Im going to try and be as specific as possible to and let you know what i feel has been ruled out... and maybe someone has gone through this and can help save me a few bucks...


Okay, awhile back, the car had problems starting on Wet damp Mornings, It would turn over for a bit, and eventually fire, but would sputter a fair bit between 1000-2000 RPM and maybe 5 mins or so of driving it would go away... Recently the starting issue has been getting worse and its taking longer to start, I ordered plugs, wires, and cap and rotor, and the morning that i was supposed to pick them up, it wouldnt start at all, Turned ouver till the battery died, Boosted, same deal, Put the plugs, wires, cap and rotor all in, Fired up No problems whatsoever... (it was warm out by then also) Went out in the car a little bit again no issues, The next morning. Again, same deal Wouldnt start what soever... I was Furious to say the least... I checked all the plugs, wires etc,, No oil, has spark, Took of the air intake, sprayed brake fluid to see if it was a fuel pump, or delievey related issue but that didnt change either, Nothing.. Let it sit for an hour or so, as the weather warmed up... Car fired up again, No problems, Drove it around all day ( i work from my car) On and off, about 15 times, no issues again..
.

So i beleive i have done enough to rule out the following

Starter, Battery, alternator is new, Fuel related problems no.. Cap, rotor, plugs and wires all changed... That leaves the ACtual distributor itself, the coil ( doesnt sound typical) and the ignitor perhaps... I doubt this would be a grouding issue either ?

I also read in a nother thread, it could be a temp sensor or something, the ecu checks with this sensor before deciding how much fuel to deliever.. However, while spraying brake clean and still getting nothing, I assume thats ruled out as well..


Im Lost, but the last thing i wasnt to do is spend 150 bucks on a coil, or 500 on a dizzy ( could get a cheaper one, maybe 150 used, or 300 aftermarket) and those not be the issues... So any help advice would be very appreciated... and ill do my best to answer any questions you may have..


Thanks in advance !

anyone got any ideas?

Bump.. kinda like to get a second opinion,, anyone ?

might be a clogged fuel filter, leaning more into the distributor than the ignitor, temp sensor i doubt it ! check the fuel pressure see if its a fuel related problem first of all and then narrow it down i dont remember how to check if the distributor is fuked i usually have one on hand and try it but good luck

When it wouldnt fire, I through a wack load of brake clean to try and ignite it, but no difference, However, Im sure its over due for a fuel filter anyway, and thats simple so ill do that and see if it helps... Thanks for the info...

If anyone knows how to properlly diagnose a distributor problem that would be awesome, i dont want to trial and error something so expensive

check for weak spark.

Ground the plug somewhere crank it over and the spark should be very bright, and white/blue. If its all orange and not bright, its weak

Okay.. i just read the whole thread.

It could be an ICM or coil, they are kinda of sensitive to heat.. but they usually cut out will driving (i said usually, not always)

I know you did your cap and rotor.. but when it doesnt start.. remove your cap check for any moisture at all ANY MOISTURE IS BAD! Did you re-isntall the rubber seal? Did it even have a rubber seal? Is it torn?ripped? etc? Next time it doesnt start juts take off the cap and wipe the contacts clean, rotor, clean. and if you have a bit of compressed air handy spray the distributor down a bit (not too hard, its sensitive).

Also if you can get it running well, get a spray bottle of water and spray around the cap see if it bogs down. Then spray around with wires.

Alright, next time its running ill do that that sounds like a great idea.... As for the Cap.. There was no seal on my old one, and my new one didnt come with one in the box either,, The other design had them, the one for my car did not.. Didnt think much of it since the other one didnt have one on...

Call me a noob. but what is an ICM?

clogged injector?

ICM = ignition control module

The wife woke me up in a panic today b/c he car wouldn't start. Figured it was the main relay (given the heat lately) so i tried a new one and no dice. So i popped the hood and looked at her battery and holy corrosion batman. I cleaned the terminals and sanded down the posts on the battery and she fired right up and off she went to work, lets see if i get a thanks tonight (if you know what i mean)...lol.

My battery is all cleaned up. So i assume you were guessing the ICM ?

(we all hope you get that thankyou ;) )


So so far, i got thought of the ICM... and check for weak spark, spray bottle distributor and plugs to see if it bogs

Anyone have an ICM lying around for testing? or a picture of it so i know what im looking for lol

driving to oakville ill help you out man

I have no problem at all driving to oakville, and i really do appreciate the offer, only thing is I cant mimick the actions.. its very odd. thats why i havent taken it in the the stealership either... Once it starts, it will stay running No problem, and will start everytime afterwords... I guess I could swing by and we coudl check over things, but i wouldnt be able to mimick what it does.. Shoot me a PM with your number and a good day we could meet and ill give ya a call.. I appreciate it :cheers: