Starting problem
 

Looking to get to the root of my starting problem of my 86 Carrera. Few months back it wouldn't start. Thought maybe I flooded it. Next day I got in it and started right up. Now however the problem is becoming more frequent. Sometimes it starts and others not. Have plenty of cranking power and assume it's either a spark or fuel problem. If anyone has experienced this problem and can direct me as to where to start looking that would be awesome. Thanks. Greg

Once again I say speed and reference sensors is a good place to start. Or the DME relay.

do a search here for Carrera no-start. Lot's of information available.

check to see if you have spark when it will not start.
check for 12v on the coil

the above is a great place to start.

Sounds like a vacuum leak. You can replace all your vacuum lines for minimal cost and it will rule that out.

if you've never replaced your DME relay, you might want to start there -- especially if you don't have a spare. When these are failing, they can cause intermittent problems -- won't start at all some times and then start right up other times. Since it's a good idea to carry a spare DME relay, nothing really lost if this isn't the culprit.

This, work through the threads and read for a day. There are many different problems that can cause it. My car suddenly acted like it was haunted or had multiple personalities. One time it was the coil, one other time it was ultimately the two sensors on the flywheel.

It is pretty hard to flood a Carrera. The injectors only fire if the DME computer thinks the engine is running.

You issue can be anything from a fuel pump check valve to a DME realy to the bad solder joint on the DME itself. You need to test the parts one at a time.

If you are a PCA member or have a friend in the area with a good running Carrera put your DME into his car and see it it runs OK. It is more dangerous to put his good DME into your car as it could damage his DME.

With every bad running or no start issue, replace the DME relay first. And don't get the cheap URO branded one, get the expensive German or Austrian made one. Or better yet, get the one made by a fellow Pelican that is solid state.