car starts with starter fluid

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pippo

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Guys,

Seems like never ending challenges with my old car, but now car starts OK and even runs at idle but if you shut it off it just cranks but doesnt start, Suspecting fuel, i sprayed starter fluid into the TBI and it started immediatly, then dies of course, once the fluid was depleted. The fuel pressure regulator diaphragm is new. Do our cars have fuel pump controls, other than the relay? What would you do at this point?

Thanks.
 
Fuel pressure test
 
Relays ( 3) are on the passenger side by the hood hinge, one is the fuel pump relay....also the wiring to the pump runs under the drivers door sill, you can check the wiring there....What Year? Some models had fuel pump wiring corrosion issues, also the fuel pump wiring to the relay runs through the oil pressure sensor...

Doug in P.R.😎2008-08-27_224135_1.gif
 
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The year is a 1987, non turbo GT. Tonight I started the car, it ran at idle nicely for 5-6 minutes, than dies all by itself. So I sprayed the starter fluid and yes, it started again, and ran for just a few seconds. I would like to do a fuel pressure test but I need an adapter gismo to fit into my TBI, like a T to attach the fuel psi guage. Where can I buy one? Other wise there is no way I ccan fit my guage into the steel fuel lines to measure pressure.

Thera are 3 relays?? Really? I only found one at that location. secured to the top of the fender with a bolt.

Thanks, Mel and Doug.
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That is your fuel pressure relay,. ( sorry mine has 3 in that location) rental tools for fuel pump testing is available at AutoZone.....still believe it's your relay getting hot or the oil pressure sensor is bad....when is the last time the pump was replaced?

Doug in P.R.😎
 
Pump replaced in 2011. Good tip about renting at AZ a fuel pump adapter kit- will get one today on the way home. But last night before dark, I started the car, and it started and I figured let me keep it running to see just how long it can last- it ran for 12-15 minutes, then quit. So I started it again and it would not start. Then, I sprayed starter fluid inside the TBI and it started immediately and ran for just 3 seconds until the fluid got depleted. So, isnt that an almost sure sign of no fuel? And probably a still good relay?

Pump psi should be 9-13 per Haynes Manual. We will see soon.
 
What if the relay is overheating and opening after 15 minutes?
 
melsg5 said:
What if the relay is overheating and opening after 15 minutes?
Click to expand...

Yup, very good point. I will definitely buy a new one before I decide/commit to replace the fuel pump. Easy, cheap. Even replace fuel filter before dropping the gas tank!
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So, struggling to determine which of the 2 steel fuel lines that go into the TBI is the supply, and the return. Anyone know if the line closer to the rear of the car is the feed line and the line closer to the front bumper is the return? I am trying to find the diagram on the Shop Manual..........BOTH lines are on the passenger side.

Best I can determine there are no easy quick disconnects in my fuel line system. I will crawl under the car to see, with a light, if there are any easy accessible connections for the fuel psi test.
 
The relay does click nicely, I had a helper turn the key with my ear on it and it clicked nicely, 2 times. Not saying it cant go bad if it gets hot, like Mel said.
 
That helps, Doug, as I never knew that. But I rented the pressure test kit from AZ and it had many fittings/adapters, but were totally useless. None fit my car. In the end, I did a FLOW test described in the official GM Shop Manual. I measured 500mls in 15 minutes which is great. I did this by disconnecting the fuel filter, (crawling under the car) and attaching a vinyl hose. Car now runs great. Tested it by driving to work, and back!

BTW, no way to easily disconnect the fuel intake at the TBI. Too rigid, no flex.

Thanks.
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