Posted on 03/10/2011 4:33:36 PM PST by library user
Please pardon the vanity, but I was wondering if there were FReepers who have experienced this problem before and, if so, how it was resolved.
I have a '99 Olds Bravada which stopped starting a few days back (you get the sound like it's going to start, but it rarely turns over).
We tried two different fuel pumps, thinking that was the problem.
After beating on the fuel tank with a rubber mallet while simultaneously turning the key in the ignition, the car would sometimes start.
My brother is doing the work on the car and thinks the problem could be related to the distributor cap or cap and rotor.
Or possibly a problem with the fuel injectors. We're definitely getting a spark when we try to start the car.
But when we measure the fuel pressure it's only around 45 and I think you need at least 60 or higher for the car to start.
Any advice on what may be wrong most appreciated. Trying to solve this in a way that hopefully won't drain my savings dry.
Thank you very much!
Call the motor man Leon Kaplan on Sunday at kabc talk radio in L.A.
Try using different cuss words. If that fails, wave a stick of dynamite and tell the car that you ain’t kidding this time.
I love sense of humor on these threads. Seriously. I’ve had a bad day and it helps. :O) Eventually, though, if someone comes by with some advice related to the body of the thread, that’s highly welcomed as well. :)
If beating on the fuel tank gets it to start occasionally, it sounds like the fuel pump in the tank may be fritzed. Many fuel injected vehicles have two fuel pumps, a low pressure in the tank and a high pressure close to the engine. If you’ve already changed the high pressure pump (closest to the engine) it may be that the low pressure pump isn’t getting the fuel to the high pressure pump.
It’s more common than folks may realize.
Good luck...
SZ
Check the battery and terminal connections. The battery is the weakest link in the electrical system. If it’s anywhere near 4 years old, replace it.
How about flushing the gas tank.
Get a bigger hammer. Keep brother nearby at all times.
Take and spray some Starting Fluid in the intake after someone starts cranking the engine over. If you spray a bunch in then you try to start it you could cause damage. If it runs it is a fuel problem. If it just cranks it is ignition.
Do you have a video of yourself beating on the fuel tank with a rubber mallet while simultaneously turning the key in the ignition? I would loooovvve to see it. If it is a two-man job, that would make it awkward if you needed to go anywhere in a hurry.
Don't know if you have them on that car, gut I had same symptoms that were solve by fixing the cold start fuel injector.
Also put the car model & problem into google &/or youtube search, your bound to come up with some good info.
Your not the first one with this problem on that model or close to it.
Many are becoming into keeping the old rigs running ("gee, I wonder why?") and putting useful info on the "interweb" to help others.
You replaced the fuel pump in the tank? Did you clean the sock or replace it? Have you changed the fuel filter?
Low fuel pressure can mean either a clogged fuel filter or a defective in-tank fuel pump.
Try the fuel filter first.
Just to say consistent with technical questions and answers on FR I submit the following: I don’t have those problems...get a Mac.
This is a joke, right? If not, here’s my advice: Go to a website that specializes in discussing car repair problems.
Im serious the guy know is stuff http://www.kabc.com/Article.asp?id=651431
Where is your fuel filter, in the tank or inline external to the tank?
Sounds like maybe a clogged fuel line and/or fuel filter.
Tried in past. FR is better for ... anything.
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