Difficult cold starting cured

[Doug914]

Finally took my '89 S2 to a trusted mechanic to diagnose a cold-start problem (car would always start eventually, but it took about four tries...embarrassing, more than anything else). Thought it might be bad injectors ($$$$$!), but it turns out it was only a bad one-way check valve in the fuel pump ($14 part). Valve was not seating, allowing fuel to drain away from the injectors and back into the tank.

Also, had gearbox refilled with synthetic lube ($36 worth), which has increased shifting smoothness and ease by a small but noticeable amount. If anyone's interested in the brand of synthetic, I'll call my mechanic back and find out.

--Doug

[1.2gees]

Wow, a checkvalve in the pump... Never heard of that failing before.
Ahmet

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[3sonfather]

Curious to know if your symptoms were just at start-up or did you notice poor performance at high rev's (max fuel demand) as well.
Thx

[Doug914]

No symptoms at high revs. Other than the cold-start problem, the driveability was excellent, without any flat spots. Checked with my mechanic, and he said the fuel pump is in an indentation beneath the tank, normally obscured by the tank's plastic cover. Check valve screws into fuel pump.

He also said the gearbox fill is Kendall synthetic. He's got other customers who swear by it...they also say it reduces shifting effort and makes the box feel smoother.

--Doug

[This message has been edited by Doug914 (edited 10-05-2001).]

[PrerYDoG]

Had the same thing happen in my 86 Buick Riviera. I just replaced the whole damn fuel pump though, fixed it right up.