Hard to start, when it does start it dies when you give it gas, other times (rarely) it will start and run. Have replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump. After I replaced these items, I got a code 44 and replaced the O2 sensor. Checked the Shrader valve on the fuel rail, fuel shot out about a foot. I can hear the fuel pump working and I am getting good spark.

It acts as if something is shutting down the fuel.

Fuel pressure checked at 40+ at start up. Dropped to 38 when first started. Checked the MAP sensor, showed it was bad and replaced it...it still starts and dies, starts and dies. etc. No vacuum leaks, as it does not rev that high. Any suggestions?

I originally posted this on the engine forum and didn't know there was a V6 forum. I could use some help.

Sid

 

Check your IAC. Had that problem with mine. Make sure you have plenty of gas too.

 

Interesting... an '88 shouldn't even have a MAP sensor... do you mean your MAF?

 

I'd also check the IAC, but also look into the TPS. Either you're not getting enough air and it's flooding out or you don't have enough fuel getting to the engine. If pressure and spark is good, these are the two to start with.

 

How "good" is your spark?
Any way to tell if the injectors are in fact spraying?

"hard to start when cold"
Battery
"choke" out of adjustment (IAC)
distributor problems (rusted, bent, carbon tracked)
Emissions problems

"start but dies"
bad elec connections are distrib or coil
not enough fuel
vac leak

I would make sure your spark is white.(and check for corosion wires)
Check to make sure injectors are spraying (attempt to flood the engine)
Then check IAC

 

hey also do some reserch on your cold start injector!! sounds like possible cause...............

 

'88 had no cold start injector.

 

It didnt?

 

mine does

 

Really? I thought '88 was when they got rid of em. Guess my brain's confusing them with TPIs. oh well.

 

Will it stay running with some throttle application? Sounds like she's choking a bit. Havent played with the throttle stop have ya?

 

Will it stay running with some throttle application?
No

Sounds like she's choking a bit. Havent played with the throttle stop have ya? No, have not done a thing to the throttle stop. However, I put a new IAC on it and it started running better. I have not had a chance to drive it, since we got 7+ inches of snow last night, when the roads clear up, I will take a test drive.

Thanks for all of the advice,
Sid