Seems Like a common problem " only starts with starter fluid

[tmfast]

Car will only start if I spray starter fluid into air intake Then will run great until I turn it off.
Things I have tried 1) checked fuel pressure OK
2) Jumpered DME relay Fuel pump runs OK
3) Checked voltage at DME pins 18 & 36 OK
4) Checked voltage at DME pin 4 OK
5) Checked Reference sensor 1000 ohms Ok ( no scope )

*** 6) Checked Speed Sensor READING "open" COULD this be the problem ???
I have a new 1 on order but it hasn't shown up yet
( next problem will be getting the old 1 out )
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks but still smiling

[Grandad#3]

Put some tape over the clutch inspection hole so nothing drops down into the clutch. While cranking the engine look at the TACH Gage to see if the Tach Needle bounces about a 1/16". If no bounce of needle the Speed Sensor is bad. Start spraying PB Blaster or use Kroil on the Speed Sensor and let it soak in. Try to turn the sensor and lift at the same time and spray some more. It makes the replacement easier if the intake manifold is removed.

Cheers,
Larry

[Tidybuoy]

I suspect the fuel damper and/or the fuel filter check valve.

The check valve prevents fuel from going in the reverse direction (ie back into the tank) and keeps pressure in the fuel lines. When you turn the car off, if the check valve is bad, you lose pressure in the line and then the pump has to work for a while to build the pressure back up. A common symptom is for the car to take a long time to start (as it's building up the required fuel pressure).

You mention that your fuel pressure is ok, but that is probably with the car running....this is for after the car is off. It's should hold the pressure for a very long time (ie. days)

Just my $0.02 cents worth.

Check Clark's Garage and look for "fuel pressure leak down testing"
http://www.clarks-garage.com/

[tmfast]

UPDATE

It was the speed sensor causing the "No Start"
Thanks for the help

[txhokie4life]

How do you check the speed sensors -- we are working on
a race car and she'll fire the plugs, fuel seems fine -- 3 of 4 injectors
are firing (at worst you would expect to catch and run rough)

no idea how to tell if the speed sensors are working.

mike

[Grandad#3]

Check out Post #2 to see if the Speed Sensor is working and look up Sensors in clark's garage Shop Manual.

Clark's Garage Home Page

Cheers,
Larry

[txhokie4life]

Thanks,

Speed and Reference sensors look good (ohms, metered voltage (no scope))

Tach is bouncing.

Fuel pump running.

Spark and fuel injectors are firing.

Timing marks checked, plug wires checked for correct firing order.

Seems to occasionally back fire, ether no help

Seems to be running very advanced timing as it seems we are getting
back flow through intake.

won't start.

have a list of things to check tomorrow night

fuel pressure, compression, rest of sensors, dme solder joints.

mike