Hey all,

I have seached this board and others over and over all winter to find a solution. No luck. So I am wondering if anyone has an answer.

Problem: Hard Start issue when car sits in Garage. Need to crack 8 to 10 times to startup. Sometimes starts with no codes and idles perfect. Other times ruff idle and code. (EGR Code)

Done so far: Replaced

8 injectors
Fuel Pump
Plugs and wires
Cap rotor and igniton
MAF
IAC and TPS
EGR and gaskets for EGR and Runners
Replaced vacume hoses
New battery
Had timing set to factory specs

When the car does start with no code. Runs amazing. Lots of power no hesitation and idles great. If anyone has any ideas on what this issue is, please let me know. Been pulling my hair out for 2 years on this.

Thanks

 

Have you checked the starter? Also, if it throws a code then something is most definitely wrong. EGR code means there's a problem with that. Usually that light comes on after a few minutes of driving.

 

Make sure your PROM is for an '89, and ONLY an '89. That is the only year TPI's were MAF with the 165 ECM without the cold start injector. If you have an earlier PROM, it might be trying to use cold start enrichment through a non-existent injector.

A quick spritz of starting fluid in the plenum prior to cranking would help verify this, but the best way is to just run the numbers on the PROM.

 

Thanks guys. The EGR is new, I replaced that. As for the PROM, the numbers match for 89. I replaced the ECM but kept the PROM.

 

Oh

 

Oh, yes I did check the starter. No problems with that. Was replaced by previous owner 4 years ago.

 

Where is the idle set? Timing? How many IAC counts at idle?

 

You've never changed the battery cables have you? Once those wires get corroded, they can build up resistance. Giving you all sorts of odd issues. Sometimes it will start fine, other times it will run like crap.

Even if the connectors look good, you never know what's inside the hidden part of the cable.

 

I belive idle is 650 at 15 counts. I will try the battery cables this weekend.

Thanks

T

 

temperature sensor right on front of the manifold solved my similar problem! only 15 bux + 10 mins labor!

 

^ +1 to that Had the same experience.

 

When it doesn't start are you getting spark?
Maybe your ignition in the column is not providing power to the distributor and only to the starter...
Check for voltage on the pink wire to the distributor on the HEI cars.

 

Thanks all for input. I replaced knock sensor and the the Coolent Temp sensor. Car starts like a champ.