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When it died.... Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Sun, 5 Oct 2008 13:45:23
In Reply to: Re: Now I'm really stumped (the car runs), Todd inMA, Sun, 5 Oct 2008 11:07:20 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
When you first got it running again, you said it died a few times.
When it died, did it shudder, cough a few times, and then quit? Or did it just shut off, like you turned the key?
If it shuddered and died, I'd suspect fuel being cut off. If it turned off like it was turned off at the key, I suspect electrical, probably ignition. Despite other posts, I really don't suspect the temperature sensor. Even if the temp sensor is lying, the engine would try and start. If there isn't enough fuel getting to the engine, it will keep running, raggedly, for a few reves. Ignition is either there or it isn't (usually).
I'm suspecting ignition (depending on how it dies). You swapped DI's, but with the fuel pump fuse out, it didn't matter. So it ran with the original DI, after you had gapped and cleaned the plugs. Now, it could be a weak DI - a poor connection, or just a flaky DI.
The lack of spark with both DI's doing the No Start test could be the sign of a bad CPS, poor connection at the Main Relay, or the test setup wasn't correct. This isn't an accusation - I know I mess things up on a regular basis. But when I get inconsistent or contradictory results, I assume something about my previous tests was wrong.
Since the DI works now (the engine runs), the DI is at least good enough. It might have an intermittent problem. It could have been as simple as re-seating some of the connectors.
With the car stubbornly starting, there isn't a lot more you can do. You don't see any faults. I'd keep the spare DI on hand, with tools to replace it. You mentioned the fuel filter - if you suspect it, it is probably old enough to need replacement. A bit of a pain in the '97, but it should be done regularly, even if the car isn't acting up. If the plugs are more than 15K miles old, maybe it's time for fresh NGKs. Might this prevent the next no-start? Maybe, maybe not. But a tune-up won't hurt.
But if it is starting OK now, tracing the problem will be very hard if it hiding that well.
Good luck!
posted by 76.219.9...
, Sun, 5 Oct 2008 13:45:23 <-- Viewing This Message, Mon, 6 Oct 2008 06:11:20, Tue, 7 Oct 2008 15:17:56, Mon, 6 Oct 2008 17:03:05
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