I have a 91 Formula. Yesterday I started my car, went to work just fine. I was setting in the parking lot at work and my car just shut off. It wouldn't start again. I took the key out, waited about 10 seconds and tried again, the car started right up. Didn't sound like it was running rough or anything. Sometimes in the morning I can start my car in the garage to let it warm up and it dies after a couple minutes. I can go back out and it starts right back up, with no problems. Well, last night I was heading to my parents house and on my way there the car just died. Would'nt restart. I let it set overnight, in the freezing cold, went back this morning and it started right up and I drove it home.
Whats the deal here? I just installed a MSD6AL, but it has died like this before, (in the garage), the install so I'm ruling the MSD out. Any suggestions, please. I'm affraid to drive the car now because I don't want to get let stranded somewhere.
Posted by jimb0 (Member # 176) on :
...in all probability it's either ignition or fuel related...you just need to determine which one first. Does your car have a TBI or TPI engine? Check your fuel filter...when was the last time you changed it? Also, have you checked to see if the computer has thrown any codes? If you can duplicate the problem while it's sitting idling in your driveway that would help your troubleshooting efforts, because you could monitor your ignition and fuel flow.
Posted by 91Formula (Member # 137) on :
My car is a TPI. Sorry didn't post sig last time. The fuel filter has never been changed, 82,000 miles. The computer hasn't shown any codes.
------------------ 91 Formula Home Made Ram Air K&N Air Filter Air Foil Underdrive Crank Pulley Edelbrock High FLow TPI Runners, MSD6AL, SLP Headers & Complete 3" SLP Exhaust and Muffler
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9149
Links to 91 F-body's, add yours....
Posted by KevinA (Member # 139) on :
I'd start with the fuel filter. It's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy over due. It will run till it gets clogged, then shut off, then you wait and run it again till it gets clogged. And you can go round and round. They should be changed every 30K or sooner.
Posted by Happy_Dan (Member # 118) on :
I would change the filter as well. Could be filter, pump, lines etc. But always start with the easiest things first. You shoudl be able to check your ignition system witha meter as well. Any other things that could cause this?? Vacuum lines etc?? It is when it is cold, wet, etc?? Wires, plugs, cap etc all good?? Start eliminating things one at a time. Good luck!! Let us know what you find out.
Posted by 91Formula (Member # 137) on :
When I brought my car home this morning I let is set in the driveway for a few hours while I worked on a friends car. When he left I tried to put my car back in the garage and it wouldn't start again. This is starting to piss me off. I'll try the filter when I can. Sucks, I didn't want to have this extra expense during XMAS.
------------------ 91 Formula Home Made Ram Air K&N Air Filter Air Foil Underdrive Crank Pulley Edelbrock High FLow TPI Runners, MSD6AL, SLP Headers & Complete 3" SLP Exhaust and Muffler
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9149
Links to 91 F-body's, add yours....
Posted by SS3756 (Member # 601) on :
I had a similar problem with my 89Z. Have your injectors ever been replaced? The cause of my no start problem was two injectors had lost their resistace and were allowing fuel to drip into the cylinder. You need to check the performance of the injectors, both cold and after the have been allowed to heatsink.
Yes I just replaced all 8 injectors a couple months ago with Holley injectors. If I remember right, I think I did replace the fuel filter this past summer. Not sure though. I did replace a fuel filter on someones car, thought it was mine. ------------------ 91 Formula Home Made Ram Air K&N Air Filter Air Foil Underdrive Crank Pulley Edelbrock High FLow TPI Runners, MSD6AL, Holley 19lbs fuel Injectors, SLP Headers & Complete 3" SLP Exhaust and Muffler http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9149
Links to 91 F-body's, add yours....
[This message has been edited by 91Formula (edited 21 December 2000).]
Posted by 91Formula (Member # 137) on :
Well, this morning, Friday, I went out and to see if it would start again after setting all day yesterday outside in the frezing cold. It started right up, so I pulled it into the garage and onto the ramps. I left it running and checked the starter wires, they were tight. I started checking the wires from the msd install, tapping on them checking for loose connections, they were all good. I got around the battery and messed with the connections there. I don't know if it was a coincodince or not but the car shut off. The ground was a little loose. I tightend it up and went ahead and re-tightend the positive terminal. The car started right up, so I shut it off and started it several more times and it started everytime. So I don't know if that was the problem or if there is still something wrong somewhere. I'm still affraid to drive anywhere, but I will in short distances to see if it dies again. I'll keep everyone informed and thanks for all the help, its much appreciated.
------------------ 91 Formula Home Made Ram Air K&N Air Filter Air Foil Underdrive Crank Pulley Edelbrock High FLow TPI Runners, MSD6AL, Holley 19lbs fuel Injectors, SLP Headers & Complete 3" SLP Exhaust and Muffler
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9149
Links to 91 F-body's, add yours....
Posted by Steve_Winters (Member # 128) on :
One way to test the fuel filter is accelerate "briskly" up a long hill. This will place maximum load on the filter. It it dies there, you've found the culprit.
