Hello all I have an 88 gxl. I noticed yesterday morning when I started the car, that it was idiling erratic with occasional backfires. after 10 seconds or so it was normal. Ever since then every time I drive the car and park it. The next time I try to start it I have a difficult time. I have a fuel cut off switch installed and the only way to start the car is to hit that switch until the engine catches. I would guess that the engine is flooding. I know that if you run the engine for less than 10 min. or so, it's prone to flooding, but in my case its happening after the car was driven for say half an hour and then parked for 2hours. Please help I have the slightest idea on what to do to fix this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance---Ren

 

Just a question on your post. When you try to start it, are you using the switch then, as stated, or are you using the switch when you shut it down?

 

I'd start with a fresh set of spark plugs - that's always the first step with odd idling/starting problems like this.

Dale

 

I always try to start the car normally, (without the fuel cut off on) but the car usually just cranks without turning over, so the only way for me to start the car is if I cut the fuel via the switch, which usually responds to a rough idle and then normal.

 

Do you have your ports wired open?

I have seen wired open cars, sometimes have problems starting, we just close the ports and the car starts right up. I assumed that velocity had soemthing to do with the mixture and the ease of firing it.

if your ports are wired or not.. check your battery terminals or your alternator.

I know if the electrical system is not pushing enough voltage the car will be hard to start. The back firing maybe caused by a faulty alternator and its goin out slowly.. I just seen this last week in a T2. The alternator was going out, car was hard to start, back fired and we traced this back to the alternator.

Check all your battery connections. make sure battery is good, terminals real clean and tight. Make sure the alternator is working good.

Let us know...hope this helps

 

I have never needed the fuel cut off switch, but I would think you would flip the switch while car is idling, and let it run out of fuel, then turn the key off. The object of the fuel cut off switch is naturally, to cut the fuel to the motor on shut down. In essence, letting the motor run out of fuel to avoid flooding. Then on startup, flip switch to allow fuel to flow, then start.

 

GLHS , It's funny you mention the batt./alternator, I just had the alternator changed 2 weeks ago. all the lights were dim and the car was running crappy, so I had to have it towed to my mechanic who tested the alternator and diagnosed it as faulty. I am not having an more electrical problems, but could this alternator still be defective?