Red_Seven

I have a 90 T2, the engine has about 30k on a mazda reman. It has a downpipe and borla catback as its only mods. I just bought it three weeks ago. It starts up, but takes a lot of cranking turning the key a couple times. The battery is good, as is the alternator and starter because the engine turns over, just doesn't seem like it is getting fuel while it is turning over.
While trying to start it i don't use the gas pedal to keep from flooding it normally, but tried today just feathering it a little and it did not affect anything. Once it starts it slowly climbs the rpms from about 250 to about 2000 for its normal cold start sputtering the whole way like it is about to stall. once it is up to around 2000-2500 it stays there like normal and slowly idles itself back down to the normal 750. From then on the car runs fine but has a decrease in performance. It does not pull as hard as it should.

It does this start whether i leave the car off for 30 minutes or all night. Sometimes it starts faster than other times, but still sputters and takes a lot of tries to get it running each time. The idle is fine while driving and smooth while accelerating however does not have the power i think it should. I had an 87 SE and i would say it is a little faster but not by much. the boost gauge does move into the normal range. The plugs were replaced within the last 3 months and since the idle is ok I don't figure it is a fuel filter problem. I was thinking maybe the injectors were leaking and causing a little flooding while sitting or the AFM was going bad.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to throw out as much info as I could to try and figure this out.

Greys 10th

What makes you think the fuel filter isn't clogged? It could be, not allowing enough fuel to pass through it.

Red_Seven

I figured that if it was clogged bad enough to mess up with starting the car that the idle and rpm's wouldn't be smooth and jump around or be really rough and jerky ride. I am just guessing here, but you could be right, thanks for taking the time to help me out. It couldn't hurt to change it so i will try to do that when i find time.
Anyone else have any other ideas?

Erik

from my experience the fuel filter definately hinders the car's performance when its clogged. i had to replace it on my n/a a few years back after i noticed the car was hesitating at higher rpm's. after i replaced that and the pkugs it went back to its normal self...but during this time the idle was always solid. i've never heard of the filter affecting the idle...

also, could a vacuum leak possibly be the cause or your problems? i guess if the leak was bad enough the car wouldn't idle at all, so that might not be the case...

did u run the codes? that might give u some insight into a possible problem. lemme know if you need a hand... i live in hunters ridge and my phone is (540) 200-2096 . but i reply to -mail more quickly eklemm@vt.edu

Keith

Sluggish and hard starting could be caused by retarded timing. Check the timing at 750 rpm. Any lower (leading) spark plug wire should register at the yellow - NOT RED - mark. If it isn't correct, set by loosening the CAS clamp and adjusting. Another possibility - low fuel pressure when starting/running. I would T in a fuel pressure guage and jumper the yellow fuel pump test connector, then turn on the ignition (no start). The fuel pressure should jump to 39 psi in 2 seconds or less. If it very slowly climbs to 39 psi, it could be a restriction in the fuel lines (such as a dirty filter), insufficient voltage to the fuel pump, a bad fuel pump or fuel pump intake filter, or, in rare cases a bad pressure regulator. Hope this gives you some ideas.

Irv, Keith's dad

Red_Seven

Thanks for the help guys, I just bought a new fuel filter and will be putting it in today hopefully. I will let you know if that does the trick.

Erik thanks for offering to help, I live in 270 cedarfield. I will probably be working on it this afternoon with a friend but come on by if you want, you've done it before

Thanks again guys