1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Pensacola Fl.
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 30 Ford Coupe
1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
I have a 1988 Pontiac Formula with a 305 TPI setup. A little while ago it started to get harder to start. When I go to start it, whether hot or cold, it cranks and after 10-15 seconds it starts to catch and usually starts. Sometimes I have to crank it a second time. I checked fuel pressure and when you turn the key on it goes to 20 psi and then zero, as you start cranking it goes to 30 psi and that's when the car starts. I've also taken the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regulator and there's no real change in pressure. I have since changed the distributor cap/rotor, spark plugs and wires, TPS sensor, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pump relay. I did an ohm check on the injectors and they all fall between 16.7 - 16.9 ohms. I set the TPS at .540 volts. On the fuel pump relay I get 12+ volts on the orange wire. Any ideas?
Thanks
Ted
Thanks
Ted
#3
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 87 GTA, 88 GTA, 92 TA, 72 RS SS
Engine: 350, 350, 305, 396
Transmission: T56, 700r4, 700r4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, 3.23, 3.73
Re: 1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
Something you could try is removing the throttle body and IAC and giving it a good cleaning to remove and carbon build up. Then perform the IAC calibration procedure.
Also check the coolant temp sensor connector, they are notorious for getting corrosion on the contacts and giving the ECM false readings causing hard starts and rich conditions.
Also check the coolant temp sensor connector, they are notorious for getting corrosion on the contacts and giving the ECM false readings causing hard starts and rich conditions.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Pensacola Fl.
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 30 Ford Coupe
Re: 1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
Thanks, I didn't think about he IAC, will check and post what I find.
Ted
Ted
#5
Supreme Member
Re: 1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
I have a 1988 Pontiac Formula with a 305 TPI setup. A little while ago it started to get harder to start. When I go to start it, whether hot or cold, it cranks and after 10-15 seconds it starts to catch and usually starts. Sometimes I have to crank it a second time. I checked fuel pressure and when you turn the key on it goes to 20 psi and then zero, as you start cranking it goes to 30 psi and that's when the car starts. I've also taken the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regulator and there's no real change in pressure. I have since changed the distributor cap/rotor, spark plugs and wires, TPS sensor, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pump relay. I did an ohm check on the injectors and they all fall between 16.7 - 16.9 ohms. I set the TPS at .540 volts. On the fuel pump relay I get 12+ volts on the orange wire. Any ideas?
Thanks
Ted
Thanks
Ted
Read and follow the attached flow chart to isolate the problem to either the regulator, injectors, in-tank check valve/leaking hose at the fuel pump.
Last edited by paulo57509; 06-25-2016 at 02:21 AM.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Pensacola Fl.
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 30 Ford Coupe
Re: 1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
Thanks, I thought so to. I've replaced and checked about everything on the flowchart and was hoping it wasn't the injectors. I'm going to replace them next, there 28 years old and are probably due.
Thanks
Ted
Thanks
Ted
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Pensacola Fl.
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 30 Ford Coupe
Re: 1988 Pontias 305 TPI hard starting help, please.
It was a defective (new) fuel pump. Replaced the fuel pump with a new one and when you turned the key on it did the initial prime and then still started hard. Finally got it running and was able to check fuel pressure and it was between 25-30 psi. Replaced fuel pump and was around 40 psi and it started fine. Thanks for everyone's help.
Ted
Ted