Need some help...I believe a fuel problem.

JLMann82 · Post by **JLMann82** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 2:43 pm

I just picked up an 89 DX, w/ 120,xxx.

To begin, its been sitting for the past year +. Before I drove it home from MARYLAND, I changed the oil and battery. When I would stop for gas and try to restart it, it would struggle starting. Its been doing this ever since I got it home now (which was last night).

I DO NOT hold the starter on. It will grab a spark like its getting ready to start, but just one then die. So thats why I release all the time. I can get it started eventually after about 5 or so times, and a lil help w/ the gas pedal. Then it runs fine.

So am I right to assume I have a fuel issue? It doesn't sound like its struggling w/ any kind of spark. I was thinking the fuel pump, over the filter. That being b/c its struggling sending fuel to the motor. But I used to have a similar issue w/ my 92 CX back in the day, and I remember someone saying it could be the filter also.

Lemmie know what you think.

TIA!

Post by **stolle** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:19 pm

could also be the coil or ignitor pack, replace the fuel filter anyway. pick up a coil and ignitor from the junkyard or new if you got some money. do a complete tune up plugs wires cap rotor pcv valve might do the tune up and fuel filter and see if that helps...

JonDubya · Post by **JonDubya** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:07 pm

If the pump were going bad, wouldn't the issue be prevalent all the time and not just at startup?

JLMann82 · Post by **JLMann82** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:10 pm

I dunno. Thats why I ask. I didn't know if it could be weak at first, but still be able to keep flow once started or what.

I planned on doing the tune up anyways, but thought I'd try to fix this issue right off the bat.

Post by **stolle** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:11 pm

JonDubya;13716 wrote:If the pump were going bad, wouldn't the issue be prevalent all the time and not just at startup?

werd, which is why i think its more of an ignition issue...

Post by **stolle** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:13 pm

JLMann82;13717 wrote:I dunno. Thats why I ask. I didn't know if it could be weak at first, but still be able to keep flow once started or what.

I planned on doing the tune up anyways, but thought I'd try to fix this issue right off the bat.

the tune up could fix your problem, usually when a fuel pump goes out it goes out it doesnt put out anything...

JonDubya · Post by **JonDubya** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:36 pm

Yeah...start with the basics. I doubt its the coil/pack, they're normally good or bad, no half ass shit. You can test the coil by doing a resistance check across the different terminals and see if it's within spec.

Ef-it · Post by **Ef-it** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:57 am

I had a similar experience. It was remedied by a new fuel filter. I would also check condition of plugs if haven't yet, and then go work your way up if you have deduced that its poor ignition.

JLMann82 · Post by **JLMann82** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:11 pm

Well I ended up doing a tune up on it. I did plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter. It actually wasn't doing it before I did all of that, but oh well. Its a new kid again. Thanks again.

bildo16 · Post by **bildo16** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 12:00 am

JonDubya;13716 wrote:If the pump were going bad, wouldn't the issue be prevalent all the time and not just at startup?

most vehicles that we have come in the shop w/ a no start condition that are actually caused by a fuel pump, you can get a hammer, or anything to tap on the fuel tank with, and the vehicle will start and run with no problem. on some occsions, the vehicle will actually start a few times in a row, then if you let it sit, will not start again. before you change the fuel filter, disconnect the supply line to it and have someone crank the vehicle. if no fuel comes out, then your pump is bad. if fuel starts coming out, then work your way from there forward- fuel filter, plugs, bad gas, etc..