Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Topic: Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L (Read 1138 times) previous topic - next topic

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

January 31, 2007, 08:57:17 PM

In the past year our T Bird has a tendency of cranking more before starting. I am convinced it is a fuel delivery problem. This car always started immediately over the years so I feel something is up. Nothing on codes when I last checked codes this summer for other reasons. No leaks--nothing apparent. Cranks well but just seems strained to start. Random--as about half the time it will start like it had just been shut down. The problem is more apparent from a cold start. Any ideas??

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #1 – January 31, 2007, 09:41:07 PM

sorta redneck diagnostic--pull off the rubber air intake hose from the throttle body. spray in some carb-cleaner or starter fluid. if it fires up quicker the fuel isnt arriving as soon as it should/not enough is arriving when it should. if theres no change it could be a weak spark/loss of compression or something else...

just dont be/have anything burnable near throttle body when you do it in the rare case that it decides it wants to backfire. million to one shot but you never know right? (and i dont wanna get sued :flame: )

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #2 – January 31, 2007, 11:00:31 PM

Last tune-up?

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #3 – January 31, 2007, 11:28:22 PM

the injectors are known to get clogged. i belive in another thread it was said our car's injectors have a screen and a ball (like sticking your finger in a waterhose deal) and they get clogged over time. pull em, clean em, if it doesnt fix your problem, get a new fuel filter, still not, then fuel pump, still not, its not fuel related.

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #4 – February 05, 2007, 07:42:42 PM

Thanks for the comments:

Haven't tried the starter fluid yet.
Changed the fuel filter more than 1/2 year ago--no change.
New plugs--distributor cap--wires and rotor 2 months ago--no change. I debated on whether to change the plugs as they did not have the mileage. The plug wires were an age thing to me and I would have changed them anyway. The old plugs were OK, turns out. I did not need new ones. This time I put no seize on them--as one did struggle to turn out.
No change.
As far as injectors are concerned, the car accelerates fine and runs like it always has---once started.
?
We did have to change the tank and fuel pump--but that was at least 8 years ago.

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #5 – February 10, 2007, 12:39:22 AM

if possible check service manual for fuel pressure reading and get a pressure guage from the parts store and hook to schrader valve on rail. can give you an idea if fuel delivery is the issue. in tank pumps are only good for a couple years depending if you let the tank get to empty. fuel keeps the pumps cool running and any trash from getting to the filter sock. get in the habit of filling up when you get to 1/4 tank instead of empty. have sold many fuel pumps over the years and most people i ask admit to doing the empty and $10.00 fill ups.

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #6 – February 10, 2007, 02:55:16 PM

perfrom the injector balance test, fuel presure test and Fuel pump under a load test in my DIY link above my sig.

a fuel pump only lasting a couple years is BS no matter how you look at it.

Delayed start ---'88 TBird 3.8 L

Reply #7 – February 21, 2007, 10:42:30 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I just haven't gotten around to this as the weather in these parts was--well--cold! Now there is a new problem with the bird which seems more important at the moment. Other thread.