Engine starts ..runs..then fails

[hellblau82]

Hey guys so I'm thinking this is a CIS issue..no idea where to begin read a lot on CIS ,PDFs, websites, jims basement..,
Anyone have any initial thoughts as to why the engine starts then stalls..could it be WUR?
No idea where to start on this one..I'm terrible with motors

[Daves911L]

Fuel pump relay perhaps? Just from memory, and its been a long time since I messed with one, the pump relay gets a signal when cranking the starter, but then after the engine catches it depends on a signal from the air flow sensor plate to tell it to keep running. Pretty simple circuit and easily deciphered from a wiring diagram. Easy to test by jumper-ing pins on the fuel pump relay.

[cwinters01]

Hi, did it just start happening, or is it a problem that has gotten worse over time? How long after it stalls before you are able to start it again?
christian

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by hellblau82

Hey guys so I'm thinking this is a CIS issue..no idea where to begin read a lot on CIS ,PDFs, websites, jims basement..,
Anyone have any initial thoughts as to why the engine starts then stalls..could it be WUR?
No idea where to start on this one..I'm terrible with motors

The place to start (no pun intended) is to give us much more information.

What year is the car?

Has it been modified from stock?

Is it ROW or US equipped (I noticed you are in Australia)?

Explain, exactly, the symptoms--does it fire up and immediately stall (say, within 2-3 seconds) or does it run roughly for a brief time and then stalls?

Does the symptom happen only on cold starts, warm starts, or both?

Once you get it running, does it run smoothly once warmed up?

How long have you experienced the problem?

Whatever you answers to the above, if you plan to work on CIS yourself, get prepared and obtain a fuel gauge set. I guarantee, you will not be able to diagnose your issue without running a fuel pressure check sometime in the process.

You have done some research already, so you know there are many possible causes, some of which may be a combination of causes. You will have to begin by testing and eliminating possible areas of fault, and where you begin that process will be up to you--after you answer the above questions.
The answers will help us suggest the best place to begin your testing, and your answers may prompt even more questions which will narrow down the area of suspect.

Feedback is essential, respond often. Your eyes and ears are the only source of information, so don't be afraid to describe everything you see/hear/experience, no matter how inconsequential it may appear.

[gtc]

Check the connections on the O2 sensor relay under the passenger seat. They can get corroded and cause problems similar to this.

[cwinters01]

was gonna say the same thing Graham, but wanted to make sure what was happening to his '82 is what was happening to my '83. hopefully it is that simple for him...

[OsoMoore]

If you have a smartphone with a video camera, try taking a short video with the engine bay open and someone holding it behind the car while it starts, runs, and dies. Then upload to youtube.

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

The place to start (no pun intended) is to give us much more information.

What year is the car? Car is 1982 sc

Has it been modified from stock? none I know of

Is it ROW or US equipped (I noticed you are in Australia)? It is ROW so no O2 gear

Explain, exactly, the symptoms--does it fire up and immediately stall (say, within 2-3 seconds) or does it run roughly for a brief time and then stalls?

I will upload a video to YouTube shortly after some more tests this morning..my very first engine crank after the ten year sleep turned over first go..it ran well and for a good ten minutes until I turned it off..it blew some white smoke..which was expected..after that I succeeded in turning it on and off without any issues maybe 2-3 times.
Maybe on the 4th time I turned it over she starts up and sounds like she is at a nice idle range the maybe 5-10 seconds drops idle to a almost struggling to stay idling range then stalls out.....-warm start issue maybe?? But testing that this morning now it's cooled down over night

Does the symptom happen only on cold starts, warm starts, or both?

Once you get it running, does it run smoothly once warmed up?

How long have you experienced the problem? Only since yesterday on my first attempts to start her over

Whatever you answers to the above, if you plan to work on CIS yourself, get prepared and obtain a fuel gauge set. I guarantee, you will not be able to diagnose your issue without running a fuel pressure check sometime in the process.
- have been reading as you mentioned..there's a lot involved pressure gauge seems crucial tool

You have done some research already, so you know there are many possible causes, some of which may be a combination of causes. You will have to begin by testing and eliminating possible areas of fault, and where you begin that process will be up to you--after you answer the above questions.
The answers will help us suggest the best place to begin your testing, and your answers may prompt even more questions which will narrow down the area of suspect.

Feedback is essential, respond often. Your eyes and ears are the only source of information, so don't be afraid to describe everything you see/hear/experience, no matter how inconsequential it may appear.

All great replys thanks you everyone! Yes the gauge is something I am looking into at the moment finding one in Australia with the right connections is my next task.
Thanks again osi will be back in reply shortly with a video

[hellblau82]

http://youtu.be/SbDIOJeyJvE

[ossiblue]

Your response and video have helped greatly.

From the history you posted (car has been sitting for 10 years), the description of the initial starting/running/eventual stalling, and the video you posted, it appears to be fuel starvation.

Did you clean out the tank (not just drain old gas) before starting?

Did you clean the in-tank filter screen? If so, was it badly caked with sludge or rust?

Did you replace the fuel filter?

[hellblau82]

Yes this morning I removed the filter and replaced it...tank got sent away and flushed out it does seem like some sort of fuel starvation issue..in tank filter was fine...

It continues to do the same thing on the video had a small backfire at one stage I'm trying to obtain a gauge so I can rule out those pressure issues.

I feel like I'm digging into a very deep hole haha

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by hellblau82

Yes this morning I removed the filter and replaced it...tank got sent away and flushed out it does seem like some sort of fuel starvation issue..in tank filter was fine...

It continues to do the same thing on the video had a small backfire at one stage I'm trying to obtain a gauge so I can rule out those pressure issues.

I feel like I'm digging into a very deep hole haha

Kristian,

Perform a FP test by jumpering terminals #87A & #30 (FP relay socket) with the ignition switch @ON position. Measure the flow rate at the return line by the engine bay. If you get a flow rate of 2 liters per minute or more at the return line, this would mean you have sufficient flow of fuel needed. An easier way to do this is by hooking up a pressure gauge so you don't have to guess if you get sufficient fuel flow in the system.

Tony

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Kristian,

Perform a FP test by jumpering terminals #87A & #30 (FP relay socket) with the ignition switch @ON position. Measure the flow rate at the return line by the engine bay. If you get a flow rate of 2 liters per minute or more at the return line, this would mean you have sufficient flow of fuel needed. An easier way to do this is by hooking up a pressure gauge so you don't have to guess if you get sufficient fuel flow in the system.

Tony

I am using an aftermarket fuel pump but I refuse to believe that is the issue...the car started and ran perfectly the first few times I turned it over...something here has packed it in..I just done know what visually I cannot see any issues with any pumps , or leaks
I did hear something arching down in around the spark plugs at one stage but that issue has gone

[Baby]

Have you checked the fuel distributor arm for free movement? It can get sticky.

[hellblau82]

Originally Posted by Baby

Have you checked the fuel distributor arm for free movement? It can get sticky.

No I haven't I've been told these can be temperamental

[hellblau82]

Trying to accelerate has no effect on whether the car stays running or not

[hellblau82]

Tried to see if injectors are working but can't test this the car has a pop off valve installed and screwed down

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by hellblau82

Tried to see if injectors are working but can't test this the car has a pop off valve installed and screwed down

Your question has been answered on your other thread, check it out.

Just a suggestion for simplicity. Keep all your questions in your original thread if they are related to the start/run issue. You have posted two new threads which easily belong in your original thread and as a result, not only do you have to search for the answers, others will not even know that you had a question or found the solution.

BTW, I hope you did not try to disassemble your air box in the attempt to find the intake plunger. If you loosened any screws in the air box, tighten them. You do not want to introduce a new problem (air leaks) into your system as you try to remedy the one you already have.