Grrr, took several tries to get car started this afternoon... thoughts?

[Magicboy2]

Was running low on gas last night, so stopped and filled up at the Amoco station. Everything was fine on the way home, and then on the way to work the next morning (each trip about 6 miles or so).

However, after work, she wouldn't start. Battery was ok, starter was ok. Engine was definately cranking but just wasn't catching. Strong smell of fuel from the exhaust. Tried to cycle the key in the ignition just to prime the fuel pump a few times (primed ok). Still wouldn't start.

Tried a few more times in 2 minute intervals. IT finally started about after trying intermittedly for about 20 minutes. Ran fine the entire way home. Haven't tried to start it since.

Think it was just maybe something in the fuel line? Since it ran fine on the way home I'm thinking it wasn't bad gas??

I'll still call my tech on Monday, but any thoughts in the meantime would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[wcollera]

Matt

Had the same problem a few weeks back with my 96 gts. I replaced teh battery and well she works fine right now! Let mw know if that works.

Bill

 

[ViperJoe]

Plugs
Bad gas
wires??

 

[Magicboy2]

An update on this.

Talked to my tech... he said that it's possible the fuel cutoff ball somehow got stuck on the line, and the engine couldn't get enough pressure due to that. I didn't even know there was a fuel cutoff ball- it's a saftey feature- in case of a rollover, the ball will block the fuel line to shut off the engine.

As it's run fine since then, I'm content with that explanation for now.

-Matt

 

[Jack B]

Why don't you check the fuel pressure. There is a schrader valve at the rear of the passenger side fuel rail. It should be 50-55 lbs all the way to max rpm.