RE: [DML] Starting Problem...help

["Tom Tait" <TTait@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I did a great job cleaning out my gas tank the first time, I thought.
Eventually the filter at the fuel pickup line would get clogged with
grit and the fuel pump would stop. It was obvious when I turned the key
on and the pump did not make any noise.  Eventually the suction pressure
that is holding some of the debris against the filter screen drops once
the car sits for a while (this is aided immeasureably by hoisting the
car onto a flatbed and taking it home, that seems to help) and a hour or
two later the car starts and runs.

Warren at DMCH told me that is what was happening to my car and I didn't
believe him the first time as I knew I got the tank spotless - but after
the second time it happened I opened it up and he was right.

Similar conditions can exist if your fuel inlet line in the tank
collapses.  There are fixes you can do with a spring, or you can look at
the hoseless pickup and baffle that SpecialTauto sells.  

The best thing you can do is to find out what is going on while the car
still won't start.  Is your fuel pump running?  Do you have spark?  Do
you have vacuum?  Is your cold start valve firing?

One thing you can count on with intermittent problems is that they will
happen again.  Put a multimeter, a spark tester, a couple metric
wrenches and if you have one a vacuum gauge in the boot, pony up a few
extra dollars for AAA plus service with 100 mile towing, and keep your
cell phone charged.

Good luck.

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of jedimasterglenn
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 9:00 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [DML] Starting Problem...help

My car has been starting and running fine.  Today though, after 
making a stop, I couldn't get it started.  Engine turned, but 
wouldn't fire.  I tried starting it 3 times every 10 mins for an 
hour (to see if it might be a warm start or cold start problem).  
Each time it would sputter on the first key turn (as though it 
wanted to start), then the engine would just turn the other 2 
times.  So I gave up and had it towed home.  After the tow truck 
left, I tried it again for kicks and...presto, it starts.  What the 
heck?!?

When I went to start it the first time, my foot wasn't all the way 
down on the clutch and the car lurched forward a tiny bit (as it was 
in gear).  I can't think why this would cause a starting issue...but 
what do I know.  Sound like the symptoms of anything?  2 months ago 
I had extensive work done to the fuel system (replaced the pump, 
filter, warm up regulator, cold start valve, thermal time switch, 
plugs and wires, and basically had the remainder of the fuel system 
professionally cleaned up by a specialty car shop).  It's been fine 
till now.  I also put in a new starter and altenator.  Battery is 
fine.

And for the record, banging your head on the steering wheel to start 
a D like Marty does in BTTF doesn't always work.  I tried...  

-Glenn
5391 
           









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