'86 Turbo Hot Start Problem

Groosh · 03-30-2012, 05:59 AM

I've been reading all the posts related to the topic but still feel my symptoms (or lack of diagnosis chops) warrant the question. At least I hope so.

My car has 70K miles. Runs great, starts right up. However, hot starts within 30 minutes are becoming worse. I've noticed two things. The car takes longer to catch and is really tumbling low RPMs. When it does fire and I try to give it gas, it stalls. Upon restart, giving it gas makes it hunt. Once running all is fine.

Secondly, I had the windows down the other day. Given that I live in Michigan and have rarely driven the car with windows down since last year, I'm not sure if the faint smell of gas is normal on hard acceleration. Could it be injectors leaking?

I'm due for new cap, rotor and wires and will check DME connections. However, I really don't know where to go to look for back of flywheel connections that were discussed in another post.

Thanks. Any insight is much appreciated. Paul

aj951 · 03-30-2012, 09:52 AM

Have you checked the DME temperature sensor? That sensor checks the temperature of the engine and feeds it to the engine management system that adjust the fuel/air mixture. If the sensor is bad, the engine management system may be fooled into thinking the engine is cold all of the time and making it run rich when its hot. That could be the reason why you smell a faint hint of gas on acceleration.

A.J.

Turbo17 · 03-30-2012, 09:58 AM

I have an '86 Turbo also. The smell of gas is not normal - I can't recall ever smelling it. Check under the hood, and be aware of many fires from aged/bad fuel lines to the fuel rail. The fuel pressure regulator and damper should be looked at as well as the fuel lines and injectors, but start with the easy stuff before going to the injectors. The fuel lines can appear to be OK until you get really close.

If you aren't familiar with it, clarks-garage.com and the info there should probably be your next stop.

I don't think I can help directly with the hot start issue, but I'd hate to see you toast your engine/car with a fuel leak while tracking it down. Perhaps others can connect the fuel smell to the hot start issue.

89-944NA · 89-944NA's Garage

+1 on checking the fuel lines to the rail...also, check the "jumper" from the damper to the rail (rubber line at the front of the fuel rail). Check the lines and injectors carefully, car-b-cues aren't nice.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

I would bet a leaking injector. On the hot start when the car wont start, pull the plugs out and smell them. Will likely smell like gas, or if its really bad will be wet / fouled.

For the smell with the windows open, your rear hatch seal is probably worn out. In my experience ive found with a bad hatch seal and the window open it sucks some exhaust gases into the cabin. The car is probably running a little rich and this is what you are smelling.

Groosh · 03-30-2012, 01:58 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'll report back once I do some more work. Paul

JAXTURBO · JAXTURBO's Garage

+1 on the leaking injectors. I exeperienced something similar on an SUV I have. Drove me nuts. Out of the 6 injectors one was leaking. As long motor was cold it didnt matter. Cranked right up. When warm the leaking fuel just made starting real difficult. I ended up replacing the injector. Been fine since then (over 3 years ago)

Did you happen on this recent thread?
Hot Start Problem '87 944 NA